A jury awarded $176 million to the family of two Los Angeles children, Mark and Jacob Iskander, who were killed in a crash involving Rebecca Grossman, a city socialite. Grossman was found guilty of second-degree murder after striking the children with her vehicle while driving nearly 80 mph in September 2020. At the time of the crash, Grossman had prescription drugs and alcohol in her system, according to prosecutors.
Grossman, who was married to prominent surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman, was racing her boyfriend, former MLB pitcher Scott Erickson, when the incident occurred. Both were driving Mercedes-Benz SUVs at speeds exceeding 70 mph and fled the scene after the crash. The boys were walking with their mother and younger brother, who both avoided being hit.
Erickson, who had a successful MLB career, was also found negligent in the crash. Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison in 2024. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino denied a request for a longer sentence, citing Grossman's lack of a prior criminal record and her philanthropic efforts, despite acknowledging the significant loss of the children.
