Appeals Court Affirms Rebecca Grossman’s Conviction in Fatal Westlake Crash

A state appeals court panel recently affirmed the conviction of Rebecca Grossman in a case tied to a fatal Westlake crash. Grossman was found guilty in the 2020 deaths of two young brothers crossing Triunfo Canyon Road.

The crash and victims

The collision occurred on Sept. 29, 2020. Eleven-year-old Mark Iskander and his eight-year-old brother, Jacob, were struck while in a marked crosswalk.

The family of six was using a three-way intersection without a traffic signal. The older boy was pronounced dead at the scene, and the younger brother died later at a hospital.

Charges, conviction and sentence

Grossman, a co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, faced multiple criminal counts. On Feb. 23, 2024, she was convicted of two counts each of second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

She was also found guilty of hit-and-run driving. A court sentenced Grossman to 15 years to life in prison.

Prosecution evidence and defense claims

Prosecutors said Grossman’s white Mercedes-Benz SUV struck the boys. They presented vehicle data indicating high speeds shortly before impact.

The prosecution alleged speeds of about 81 mph just before the collision and recorded 73 mph at impact. The posted speed limit was 45 mph.

Authorities contend airbags deployed and Grossman kept driving. Her vehicle reportedly stopped about a quarter-mile from the scene when its engine stalled.

Defense lawyers argued another driver struck the children first. They pointed at Scott Erickson, Grossman’s then-boyfriend and a former Dodger, though he did not testify.

Appeal focus

Grossman’s legal team sought to overturn the second-degree murder convictions. They argued the trial judge misinstructed the jury on the legal meaning of implied malice.

The appeals court reviewed those claims and rejected them. The panel upheld Rebecca Grossman’s conviction and the related verdicts.

Family reaction and aftermath

The boys’ mother, Nancy Iskander, had pursued the case for years. She described relief that the convictions were sustained, while acknowledging the family’s lasting loss.

Iskander urged others to channel grief into support for those suffering similar tragedies. The case remains a focal point for the family and community.

Reported for Filmogaz.com with contributions from local news services.