Rebecca Grossman, a wealthy California woman, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the hit-and-run killings of two children in a crosswalk in Westlake Village in September 2020. The two boys, Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8, were fatally struck by Grossman’s speeding car while they were crossing the street. Grossman was convicted on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death.
During Grossman’s sentencing, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the devastating impact of the loss of the two innocent lives on their family and community. Grossman, who co-founded the Grossman Burn Foundation with her husband, Dr. Peter H. Grossman, showed a blatant disregard for human life through her irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 34 years to life for Grossman, but she received a 15-year to life sentence.
Despite the conviction and sentencing, Grossman maintains her innocence, stating in a letter to the judge that she is not a murderer and did not see anyone in the road. She expressed that she would have driven her car into a tree to avoid hitting the two boys, emphasizing her disbelief in the events that transpired. The boys’ mother, Nancy Iskander, conveyed her disappointment in Grossman’s lack of remorse for killing her two sons during the sentencing.
Chief Allen Castellano of the county sheriff’s North Patrol Division expressed hope that the sentence would provide some comfort to the grieving family. He highlighted Grossman’s complete disregard for the lives and safety of others, stating that her reckless actions shattered a family and robbed two children of their bright futures. Grossman’s involvement in the philanthropic foundation, the Grossman Burn Foundation, and the Grossman Burn Centers, founded by Dr. A. Richard Grossman, adds complexity to the tragic events surrounding the hit-and-run incident.
The sentencing of Rebecca Grossman for the hit-and-run killings of Mark and Jacob Iskander serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel. The tragedy highlights the importance of responsible driving and the devastating impact that a moment of carelessness can have on families and communities. While Grossman maintains her innocence, the jury’s conviction and the sentencing represent a measure of justice for the lives lost and the family left to cope with the aftermath of the heartbreaking event. As the community continues to mourn the loss of the two young boys, it is essential to remember their bright futures cut short due to the reckless actions of one individual.
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