**Hit-and-Run Tragedy: The Story of Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson Following the Deaths of Two Young Brothers**
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In June 2026, a landmark jury decision determined that Rebecca Grossman and former professional baseball pitcher Scott Erickson were liable for the tragic deaths of two young brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander. The jury awarded a staggering $176 million in damages to the victims’ family, marking a significant moment in a case that has gripped the public since its onset.
The harrowing incident occurred in September 2020 when Grossman and Erickson were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Westlake Village, California. Reports indicate that the pair, who were drinking together at a local restaurant, left in separate vehicles and began speeding down a residential road. It was during this reckless driving that Grossman struck the two boys, aged 11 and 8, as they walked in a crosswalk alongside their mother and sibling. Authorities estimated Grossman was driving at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone.
According to Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, the moment was chaotic and terrifying. She had to instinctively pull her youngest child out of harm’s way, witnessing her two older sons vanish from view as Grossman’s powerful car sped past. The tragedy was compounded by Jacob’s use of roller skates and Mark’s skateboard, leaving a vivid and tragic image of innocence lost.
After the collision, Grossman did not stop. She continued driving for approximately one-third of a mile before her vehicle was disabled. A subsequent test revealed that her blood alcohol content was at the legal limit of 0.08%. The callous nature of the incident prompted a strong reaction from the community and police, leading to charges being filed against Grossman.
In February 2024, Grossman was convicted of multiple serious charges, including second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter, resulting in a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Her claims of having not seen the boys during the incident during the court proceedings only added to the outrage surrounding the case. Meanwhile, Erickson, who was driving nearby at the time of the crash, faced a lesser charge of reckless driving. However, this charge was dismissed after he engaged in a public service campaign promoting safe driving.
The legal ramifications continued to unfold, culminating in the June 2026 jury verdict. The jury attributed liability to both Grossman and Erickson, concluding that they acted negligently and in concert with each other on that fateful night. The jury’s decision reflects the serious consequences of reckless behaviour and the tragic toll it can take on innocent lives.
In the aftermath of the jury’s decision, Grossman remains incarcerated in a state prison, while Erickson’s legal journey has seen him largely escape severe repercussions. Grossman’s husband, a prominent plastic surgeon, was also implicated in the lawsuit as the owner of the vehicle driven by Grossman during the incident, demonstrating that the disaster had wide-reaching effects extending beyond the immediate participants.
The Iskander family, devastated by the loss of their children, has spoken out about the importance of accountability in cases involving reckless driving. Their attorney, Brian Panish, emphasised that the legal outcome is based on the human aspect of the case and the need for repercussions when bad choices are made behind the wheel.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching consequences of reckless actions. The case has ignited discussions on road safety and the responsibilities that come with the privilege of driving, and it remains a tragic milestone in the community’s memory.