Appeals Court Confirms Rebecca Grossman’s Conviction in Iskander Brothers’ Deaths
Appeals Court Upholds Conviction of Rebecca Grossman in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – A state appeals court has upheld the conviction of Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, for the fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the lives of two young brothers in 2020. Grossman is currently serving a sentence of 15 years to life for her role in the deaths of Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8.
The court’s ruling, released Tuesday, confirms the verdict reached during Grossman’s trial in February 2024. The defense had argued that another driver was responsible for the boys’ deaths, a claim that the appeals court dismissed.
On September 29, 2020, the Iskander brothers were crossing Triunfo Canyon Road in Westlake Village with their family when they were struck by Grossman’s vehicle. Six family members were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when, without a stoplight at the intersection, the mother heard a speeding car approaching. Both parents attempted to shield their two sons, but unfortunately, the boys were too far into the intersection and were hit. Mark died at the scene, while Jacob succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Prosecutors stated that Grossman had been drinking earlier that evening and was speeding at 81 mph in a 45-mph zone shortly before the collision. Data from the car’s "black box" indicated she was traveling at 73 mph upon impact. Under conviction, she faced two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run.
During sentencing, Grossman maintained that she did not see the children just before the accident, asserting, "God knows that I never saw anybody. I never saw anyone. I believe he knows the truth." She expressed that she would have preferred to drive into a brick wall rather than harm the children.
In contrast, Deputy District Attorney Ryan Gould called for a maximum sentence of 34 years, stating, "the defendant deserves every day of the maximum sentence." However, Judge Joseph Brandolino opted for a 15-year-to-life sentence, recognizing Grossman’s lack of a prior criminal record and her philanthropic contributions, remarking, "She’s not a monster as the prosecution attempts to portray her."
Now that the appeals court has reaffirmed Grossman’s conviction, she will continue to serve her sentence in state prison. While it is possible for her legal team to petition the State Supreme Court for further review, such an action is not guaranteed to lead to a hearing.
