Rebecca Grossman found guilty on all counts in 2020 hit-and-run, mom of victims says it's 'start to healing'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rebecca Grossman, charged with the hit-and-run killing of brothers Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, faced a bombshell verdict on Friday, February 23.
Found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death, the Los Angeles socialite now confronts the possibility of spending 34 years to life in prison.
Rebecca Grossman vows to appeal murder conviction
The trial, spanning six weeks, brought to light Rebecca's involvement in the tragic incident that occurred in September 2020. The prosecution argued that the suspect, under the influence of alcohol and Valium, was speeding in her white Mercedes SUV when she struck the Iskander brothers after a lunch meeting with her former MLB player lover, Scott Erickson.
The emotionally charged courtroom saw Rebecca's defense lawyer, Tony Buzbee, announcing her intention to "appeal" the unexpected convictions. Despite the lawyers' efforts, the jury delivered a resounding verdict, leading to the revocation of her $2 million bail.
Victims' mother commends the prosecution's pursuit of truth
Rebecca's husband, Peter Grossman, a prominent plastic surgeon, and their children, Alexis and Nicholas, displayed visible distress as the verdict was announced. On the contrary, the parents of the victims, Nancy and Karim Iskander, were seen smiling and expressing relief outside the courthouse.
Nancy, in a poignant statement, voiced her appreciation for the prosecution's commitment to the truth, accusing Rebecca's defense attorneys of being the "most evil."
The jury, consisting of nine men and three women, unanimously found the suspect guilty on all counts for the 2020 incident. The mother of the deceased boys described the verdict as a "start to healing."
Nancy referred to the trial as resembling "the funerals of the boys" and emphasized the importance of seeking justice. She expressed, "Someone is now held accountable. Mark and Jacob did not die, Mark and Jacob were murdered."
Rebecca Grossman's grilled for alleged jury influence
During the trial, the prosecution accused Rebecca of attempting to influence the jury by leaking confidential information to a TV reporter and called for her to be jailed.
Deputy District Attorney Ryan Gould stated that it was "a direct violation" of a protective court order issued by the judge to exclude specific evidence from the six-week trial and that "it was a deliberate attempt to influence the jury," as per Daily Mail.
While the judge issued a warning, Rebecca was spared jail time.
Defense attorney Buzbee persistently argued throughout the trial that Scott was the one responsible for the tragic deaths, attempting to cast doubt on Rebecca's liability in the incident.
The prosecution, however, applauded the jury's discernment, emphasizing that there was "not a shred of evidence that Scott Erickson was involved."
Rebecca, known for her affluent lifestyle, was immediately remanded into custody and is currently awaiting her sentencing, scheduled for April 10.