Westlake Village Socialite Loses Appeal, Sentenced to 15 Years to Life

Rebecca Grossman's conviction for a fatal 2020 crash that killed two young brothers upheld by California appeals court

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:59am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rebecca Grossman, a Westlake Village socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, will remain in prison after a California appeals court rejected her final bid to overturn her 2024 conviction for a crash that killed two young brothers. Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2020 incident, which shocked the nation.

Why it matters

The ruling brings a sense of justice for the Iskander family, whose young sons Mark and Jacob were tragically killed in the crash. It also highlights ongoing concerns about reckless driving and accountability for the wealthy and privileged in society.

The details

Grossman's SUV slammed into 11-year-old Mark and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander in a marked crosswalk in 2020. Investigators reported she was traveling far above the 45 mph speed limit, and prosecutors argued her reckless driving showed 'implied malice,' turning potential manslaughter into second-degree murder charges. Grossman's lawyers tried to argue that jurors were misled on the legal definition of implied malice and suggested others might have been involved, but the appeals court was unmoved.

  • The tragedy unfolded in 2020 when Grossman's SUV struck the Iskander brothers.
  • Grossman was convicted in 2024.
  • The California appeals court rejected her final appeal in March 2026.

The players

Rebecca Grossman

A Westlake Village socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation who was convicted of second-degree murder for a 2020 crash that killed two young brothers.

Mark Iskander

An 11-year-old boy who was killed in the 2020 crash.

Jacob Iskander

An 8-year-old boy who was killed in the 2020 crash.

Nancy Iskander

The mother of Mark and Jacob Iskander, who has spoken about the heartbreak of losing her children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the Iskander family, justice may be slow, but the ruling ensures that the women responsible for their unimaginable loss will remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.”

— Nancy Iskander, Mother of Mark and Jacob Iskander

What’s next

With Grossman's conviction upheld, she will serve the remainder of her 15-year to life sentence in prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice when it comes to reckless driving, particularly among the wealthy and privileged. The Iskander family's long fight for justice underscores the need for stricter enforcement and stiffer penalties to deter such tragic incidents.