Socialite jailed for 15 years after mowing down brothers aged eight and 11 while speeding after lover following boozy lunch

11 June 2024, 00:21

The court heard how Rebecca Grossman, 60, drank cocktails over lunch with her baseball star ex-boyfriend, before getting behind the wheel and colliding with the brothers
The court heard how Rebecca Grossman, 60, drank cocktails over lunch with her baseball star ex-boyfriend, before getting behind the wheel and colliding with the brothers. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

A US socialite has been jailed for 15 years after she was involved in a hit-and-run which killed two brothers, aged eight and 11, while speeding behind her lover's car.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The court heard how Rebecca Grossman, 60, drank cocktails during a lunch with her baseball star ex-boyfriend, before getting behind the wheel on September 19, 2020.

Grossman hit Mark and Jacob Iskander, who were walking with their mother Nancy at the time, while travelling at 70mph in Westlake Village, California, as she drove behind Scott Erickson.

Grossman, who is married to a prominent Los Angeles burns doctor, was having an affair with Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers player at the time of the incident.

After ploughing her vehicle into the two boys, she proceeded to carry on driving.

The court heard how Rebecca Grossman, 60, drank cocktails over lunch with her baseball star ex-boyfriend, before getting behind the wheel and colliding with the brothers
The court heard how Rebecca Grossman, 60, drank cocktails over lunch with her baseball star ex-boyfriend, before getting behind the wheel and colliding with the brothers. Picture: Alamy

She was convicted by the court in February for the murder of the brothers, after being found guilty of two felony charges — two counts of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter — and one felony charge, primarily the hit-and-run driving that resulted in death of the two boys.

The charges facing Grossman are punishable by up to 34 years to life in prison in the county.

Prior to sentencing, Grossman appealed to leniency from the judge, explaining in a letter: “I swear to you, I would have driven my car into a tree to avoid hitting two little boys."

The court heard how she sat in her car for "20 minutes" following the hit and run as she came to terms with what had happened.

“From the very beginning, the facts have been distorted and misrepresented, turning the tragic accident into murder and me into a cold-blooded killer…" she said as she pleaded for leniancy.

"I am not a murderer, and I ask you to recognise that true fact.”

Read more: 'Britain's youngest knife murderers': Two boys, 12, guilty of killing stranger with a machete in unprovoked attack

Read more: Terrifying moment sex predator, 25, chases schoolgirl, 15, down empty street before attacking her

She continued: “My pain, my recognition of the pain the Iskanders suffer and the pain I watch my family endure are punishments that I already suffer and will for the rest of my life.

Grossman, who is married to a prominent Los Angeles burns doctor, was having an affair with Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers player at the time of the incident.
Grossman, who is married to a prominent Los Angeles burns doctor, was having an affair with Erickson, a former Los Angeles Dodgers player at the time of the incident. Picture: Alamy

"Please consider this suffering when you consider what more punishment to impose on me in this case,” she added.

Speaking in front of the packed LA courtroom, Judge Joseph Brandolino said: "Her action was grossly negligent which led to the loss of two lives, and she engaged in incredibly selfish behaviour."

Sobbing in front of the press, Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life for the killing of the brothers.

But as Nancy, the boys' mother, got up to leave, Grossman could be heard begging her to stay.

Sitting back down, Grossman said to her: "Please don't leave. All l ever wanted to tell you I'm sorry. I just wanted write to you.

"I just wanted to be a human to human, mother to mother. I wanted to leave this world because I didn't want to be here anymore."

According to prosecutors, Grossman could now be eligible for parole in just six years if she receives credit for good behaviour.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Breaking News

Body found in search for man, 75, who went missing while walking his dog near river during Storm Bert

Storm Bert is battering Britain for a second day

Major incident declared as Storm Bert causes 'devastating' floods with homes and cars left underwater

Westminster Bridge has been closed off following the stabbing

Man left fighting for his life after stabbing on Westminster Bridge - as four arrested

Zayn Malik has paid tribute to Liam Payne

'Love you bro': Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam Payne at first show since former bandmate's death

Diane Abbott speaks to Lewis Goodall

'It's literally a life and death question': Diane Abbott calls for more discussion on assisted dying before vote

Storm Bert i battering Britain for a second day

'Danger to life' warning as Storm Bert batters Britain for second day with more than 200 flood alerts in place

Max Verstappen has won his fourth F1 world title

Max Verstappen wins fourth F1 world title after Las Vegas Grand Prix

Keir Starmer has vowed to crack down on the 'bulging benefits bill'

Keir Starmer vows to crack down on 'bulging benefits bill' as he promises 'sweeping changes' to welfare system

Zvi Kogan

Body found in search for missing rabbi in UAE as Israel says he was killed in 'anti-Semitic terror incident'

Storm Bert has begun to make an impact with snow closing roads

Storm Bert to wreak more havoc as more than 200 flood warnings issued across the UK for Sunday

Island nations which are vulnerable to climate change and some African countries have stormed out of COP29 in a row over funding.

Deal struck for $300bn for developing countries at COP29 after talks had looked set to collapse

A number of unidentified drones have been spotted over three airbases in Britain, the United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed.

Security alert after unidentified drones spotted above three US-run RAF bases

Two-thirds of Brits support the assisted dying bill which are set to be voted on in the House of Commons next week.

'Two-thirds support assisted dying bill' poll claims after Justice Secretary expressed concerns about proposals

Russia is prepared to launch a flurry of cyber attacks on Britain and other NATO members to weaken resolve in support for Ukraine, minister Pat McFadden is set to warn the alliance.

Russia 'prepared to bash Britain with massive cyber attack', ministers to warn NATO conference

Exclusive
Singer Kate Nash says she has joined adult content site OnlyFans to sell 'pictures of [her] arse' in an interview with LBC's Natasha Devon.

'Sex work is really empowering': Singer Kate Nash tells LBC why she sells photos on OnlyFans

The UK is on a 'slippery slope to death on demand', Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said in a letter to constituents.

'Slippery slope to death on demand': Justice Secretary details concern over assisted dying debate