Los Angeles Woman Faces Life In Prison For Hit-In-Run Involving Two Young Brothers

Co-founder of Grossman Burn Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care to burn victims and their families, has been charged with the murder of two young boys in a hit-and-run in September.

On Wednesday, 57-year-old Rebecca Grossman was arraigned in a Los Angeles County Superior Court. She was charged with two felony counts each of murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Grossman was accused of hitting 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander with her car on September 29 when she sped through a crosswalk in Westlake Village. At the time, the two brothers were crossing the street with their parents, the DA’s office stated.

“After allegedly striking the children, Grossman allegedly continued driving, eventually stopping about one-quarter mile away from the scene when her car engine cutoff,” the DA said.

Later, police arrested Grossman on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter after the accident, People noted.

On October 1, she posted her $2 million bail.

If convicted, Grossman faces 34 years to life in prison.

A petition was created on Change.org after the brother’s death. It contained a demand for Grossman to be brought to justice for her actions.

“We demand that Grossman is prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law and that she faces serious consequences for her actions that took away the lives of Mark and Jacob,” the petition stated. ‘Grossman’s sentence must be proportionate to her crime to prevent future similar tragedies and endangerment of other families and young children.”

“Thousands of lives have been impacted by this tragedy – two, innocent and loving, young boys with their entire life ahead of them were taken away by the complete and intentional disregard for human life, gross negligence, and selfish actions of Grossman,” the petition continued. “All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most — their parents. Mark’s and Jacob’s family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime.  Justice must be served, regardless of Grossman’s financial means, status, privilege, and connections.”

Eight days after the tragic incident, a memorial service was held for the brothers at their school, Ascension Lutheran School.

The boys’ father, Karim Iskander, remembered his eldest son as having “the sweetest heart ever,” and as someone, he would “spread sincere appreciation and laughter.” When he spoke about his youngest, Jacob, Karim stated that “Jacob was the coolest boy ever. He stands tall; he speaks with confidence. He had a strong personality, strong muscles, and strong faith.”

“They were truly, truly awesome kids. I was very proud of them,” Karim continued. “When they were little, I thought it was my job to teach them, but especially in the last year, I think it was the opposite. I learned from them more.”