Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Killing Two Boys

Los Angeles County Judge Hands Down Sentence in Fatal Hit-and-Run

Grossman was speeding when she struck and killed 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander in 2021

A Los Angeles County judge sentenced Rebecca Grossman to 15 years to life in prison on Monday for the murders of two brothers who she struck and killed while driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Grossman, a socialite and heir to a wealthy family fortune, was found guilty of all five charges against her, including murder, in the deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander.

On May 17, 2021, Grossman was driving her Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon at more than 80 miles per hour when she struck the boys, who were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk near their home in Calabasas. The boys were pronounced dead at the scene.

Grossman fled the scene of the accident but was later arrested and charged with murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, and hit-and-run driving. She has been in custody since her arrest.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Grossman was speeding, talking on her cell phone, and had been drinking alcohol and taking prescription drugs at the time of the accident. A toxicologist testified that Grossman's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit and that she had also taken Xanax, a prescription anti-anxiety medication.

Grossman's defense attorney argued that she was not guilty of murder because she did not intend to kill the boys. The attorney also claimed that Grossman was suffering from mental health issues at the time of the accident and that she had been prescribed Xanax to treat her anxiety.

However, the jury rejected Grossman's arguments and found her guilty on all charges. The judge sentenced Grossman to 15 years to life in prison for each murder count, and she will be eligible for parole in 2037.

The Iskander family said they were pleased with the sentence, but they said it would never bring back their sons. "We hope that this sentence will send a message that no one is above the law," said Karim Iskander, the boys' father. "We also hope that it will help to prevent other tragedies like this from happening."