Rebecca Grossman, a Southern California socialite, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the hit-and-run deaths of Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8. The tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2020, as the two young brothers crossed a street in a Westlake Village crosswalk.

Grossman was found guilty on all counts: two felony counts each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter, and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. The sentencing judge handed down two concurrent 15-years-to-life sentences plus three years for fleeing the scene, all to run concurrently.

The crash data from Grossman’s Mercedes revealed she was speeding at up to 81 mph. She tapped her brakes, reducing her speed to 73 mph just before striking the boys, but it was too late. Grossman did not stop her vehicle until the car’s crash safety features cut off the fuel, preventing further travel.

Despite her history of philanthropic work and having no prior criminal record, the judge labeled Grossman’s actions as “reckless and unquestionably negligent,” reflecting the severity of the charges. Prosecutors, who described the incident as preventable murder, had sought a maximum sentence of 34 years to life.

During the sentencing, emotional statements were provided by the family members, friends, and classmates of the Iskander boys. They spoke eloquently about the deep pain and loss experienced due to the untimely deaths of Mark and Jacob. In a heartfelt plea, the boys' mother, Nancy Iskander, expressed intense grief and criticized the sentence’s adequacy, feeling that the judge was “lumping the two boys together.”

Grossman herself apologized during the sentencing, stating that she never saw anyone and expressed deep sorrow for the loss. Despite her apology, some observers and the prosecution perceived her as being without remorse, citing that she violated court orders while out on bail.

Grossman will be eligible for parole in nine years and has been ordered to pay $47,161.89 in restitution. Her defense described her as a mother and philanthropist who was “in shock” following the incident, contrasting the prosecution's narrative.

The sentencing has prompted discussions about accountability and justice, especially concerning individuals perceived as part of the social elite. This case, marked by the loss of two young lives, serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of adherence to traffic laws and the devastating consequences when they are ignored.