Scott Erickson, Former Dodger, Continues Testimony in Civil Trial for 2020 Westlake Village Accident
Former Dodgers Pitcher Takes the Stand in High-Profile Civil Trial
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson is expected to continue his testimony on Tuesday in a civil trial concerning a tragic 2020 crash that claimed the lives of two young brothers from Westlake Village. Erickson and Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Center, are being sued for $100 million by the family of the deceased boys.
Grossman was convicted of the deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander, who were struck while standing at a marked crosswalk in September 2020. Currently serving a 15-year-to-life sentence, Grossman’s conviction has prompted the Iskander family to seek further compensation through civil proceedings.
During his testimony on Monday, Erickson acknowledged that he did not notify police after learning of the boys’ deaths the following day. He noted that he deleted WhatsApp messages with Grossman post-accident, asserting that he was unaware these communications would become evidence. He also clarified he was not racing Grossman at the time of the incident, despite driving over the speed limit—55 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone.
The civil trial has been marked by significant testimonies, including that of Erickson’s former teammate, Royce Clayton, who recounted having margaritas with Erickson and Grossman prior to the crash.
As the trial enters its 12th day, court proceedings are anticipated to continue for an additional three to four weeks.
The circumstances of the crash remain under scrutiny. On September 29, 2020, six members of the Iskander family were traversing a three-way intersection without a stoplight when the two brothers were struck. Prosecutors assert that Grossman was driving at 81 mph just moments before the collision.
Panish, the attorney representing the Iskander family, described the impact as horrifying, equating the force of the crash to dropping a 4,800-pound vehicle from a height of 12 stories. Following the incident, Grossman continued to drive before stopping approximately a quarter-mile away when her vehicle malfunctioned.
In response, Grossman’s attorney, Ester Hold, maintained that her client did not attempt to flee the scene and argued that Grossman did not see the children in the crosswalk. She contended that the investigation into the accident may have rushed to conclusions, attributing the fault solely to Grossman.
