Emotional Day in Court

Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2020 hit-and-run deaths of two young boys, Mark and Jacob Iskander, in Westlake Village, California.

The sentencing brought a mix of emotions, as Grossman and the boys’ family faced each other in court, sharing sorrow and anger over the devastating incident.

The Incident: A Tragic Night

On the night of September 29, 2020, Rebecca Grossman was speeding when she struck and killed 11-year-old Mark and 8-year-old Jacob as they crossed a marked crosswalk with their family. Grossman, driving behind her then-lover, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, failed to stop after hitting the boys. Erickson was not charged in the case.

Courtroom Drama: Rebecca Grossman Sentencing

During the sentencing, tears flowed as Grossman expressed her sorrow, claiming she did not see the boys in the crosswalk. However, the boys’ mother, Nancy Iskander, disputed Grossman‘s claims of remorse, stating that Grossman showed no regret and even made eye contact with her outside the hospital on the night of the crash.

Prosecutors’ Arguments: A Call for Justice

Prosecutors argued that Grossman‘s actions showed a blatant disregard for human life. Deputy District Attorney Ryan Gould emphasized the gravity of her actions, stating that she was driving at extreme speeds and had both alcohol and Valium in her system at the time of the accident. “This was not a tragic accident… this was murder,” the prosecutors argued, highlighting Grossman‘s high-speed driving and lack of immediate response to the crash.

Rebecca Grossman Defenses’ Pleas: A Plea for Mercy

Despite the prosecution’s strong stance, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino opted for a 15 years to life sentence, noting Grossman‘s lack of a prior criminal record and her history of philanthropy. Grossman‘s defense team had requested probation, emphasizing her charitable work and personal trauma. They argued that a lengthy prison term was unwarranted and that Grossman should be allowed to spend her life making amends for the tragedy.

Impact on the Community: A Lasting Legacy

The loss of Mark and Jacob Iskander has left an indelible mark on their family and the Westlake Village community. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón stated, “The loss of these two innocent lives has devastated their family and our community.” Allen Castellano, chief of the county sheriff’s North Patrol Division, expressed hope that the sentencing would bring some comfort to the grieving family.

Rebecca Grossman : A Complex Case

Rebecca Grossman‘s case has been fraught with emotions and conflicting perspectives. Her philanthropic efforts, including her work with the Grossman Burn Foundation, contrast sharply with the reckless behavior that led to the boys’ deaths. As she begins her prison sentence, the community grapples with the complex legacy of a woman who has contributed much but whose actions led to an unspeakable tragedy.

Moving Forward: A Path to Healing

Rebecca Grossman will carry the weight of the incident for the rest of her life, a burden she acknowledged in court. “The boys’ deaths are something I will carry with me until my dying breath,” she said. As the Iskander family continues to mourn, the community seeks healing and justice, hoping that such a tragedy will never happen again.

Watch here : Mother of Boys that were Killed, Speaks Out

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