Rebecca Grossman Convicted of Murdering Two Boys in Crosswalk

Appeals court upholds 15-years-to-life sentence for speeding through suburban crosswalk

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A California appeals court has upheld the second-degree murder conviction of Rebecca Grossman for killing two young brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander, when she sped through a Westlake Village crosswalk at over 70 mph in 2020. Grossman, the head of a local foundation, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the murders.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the tragic consequences that can result when drivers disregard traffic laws and the safety of pedestrians, especially in residential areas. It also raises questions about accountability for wealthy or influential individuals who commit serious crimes.

The details

Evidence presented at trial showed that Grossman was driving over 70 mph and up to 81 mph when she struck the two boys, who were walking in a marked crosswalk. Prosecutors proved that Grossman had a history of speeding and had been warned by police about the deadly consequences of her actions. The appeals court rejected Grossman's argument that the law only allowed for a manslaughter conviction, ruling that the jury was properly instructed on the definition of "implied malice" required for a second-degree murder conviction.

  • In September 2020, Grossman struck and killed 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander in Westlake Village.
  • In February 2024, a jury convicted Grossman of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run with fatality.
  • On March 17, 2026, a California appeals court upheld Grossman's conviction and 15-years-to-life sentence.

The players

Rebecca Grossman

The head of the Grossman Burns Foundation, convicted of second-degree murder for killing two young brothers while speeding through a crosswalk.

Mark Iskander

An 11-year-old boy killed by Grossman while walking in a crosswalk.

Jacob Iskander

An 8-year-old boy killed by Grossman while walking in a crosswalk with his brother.

Nancy Iskander

The mother of Mark and Jacob Iskander, who witnessed the tragic incident.

Scott Erickson

A former Dodgers player who was drinking with Grossman earlier that day and whose SUV may have initially struck the Iskander brothers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Iskanders' civil trial against Grossman and Erickson for wrongful death is scheduled to start next month.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for reckless driving, especially in residential areas, to protect vulnerable pedestrians and hold all drivers accountable for their actions, regardless of their wealth or status.