Jury Orders Rebecca Grossman and Ex-Dodger Scott Erickson to Pay $20M to Family of Boys Killed in Crash

A Los Angeles jury has held Rebecca Grossman and former Major League Baseball pitcher Scott Erickson accountable for the tragic deaths of two young boys in a hit-and-run incident that occurred in Westlake Village in 2020. Following the jury’s verdict, Grossman has been ordered to pay $21 million in punitive damages, while Erickson is liable for $1.17 million. The combined total owed to the Iskander family, who lost their sons Mark and Jacob, amounts to nearly $200 million when incorporating earlier damages awarded.

The fatal incident took place as Grossman, 62, and Erickson, 58, were reportedly engaged in street racing. Mark and Jacob, aged 11 and eight, were struck by Grossman’s vehicle, leading to their untimely deaths. In a statement issued following the jury’s decision on June 10, the boys’ parents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, expressed their gratitude to the jury for the punitive damages awarded, although they noted that no financial compensation could alleviate their profound sorrow.

Their statement described the jury’s action as a necessity to place a financial figure on the lives of their children, labelling it a “profoundly sad day.” The Iskanders’ attorney, Brian Panish, commented on the case, asserting that the family’s lives will remain irrevocably altered by this tragedy. He stressed the jury’s recognition of the gravity of the Iskander family’s loss, affirming that their sons’ memories would endure.

This civil trial lasted for eight weeks, during which the jury deliberated on the culpability of both defendants. Initially, they decided to award $176 million to the Iskander family for wrongful death and emotional distress. The ruling highlighted both defendants’ actions as malicious, which allowed for the punitive damages to be imposed.

Grossman’s husband, Peter Grossman, was also named in the proceedings as the owner of the vehicle involved in the crash. During the trial, evidence suggested that while Erickson was driving a different vehicle in front of Grossman, he was nonetheless found negligent, with the jury concluding that both individuals acted in collaborative conduct leading up to the collision.

Reports preceding the trial suggested that street racing was a factor at the time of the deadly crash, raising questions about reckless behaviour and the responsibilities of motorists. This incident has sparked discussions about road safety and legal accountability in cases of reckless driving.

In a separate but related matter, Grossman had previously been convicted of double murder in February 2024, an outcome that a three-judge panel reaffirmed in March. She received a sentence of 15 years to life for her role in the boys’ deaths, having been found guilty of driving at speeds reaching 81 mph on a residential street after allegedly consuming alcohol.

Conversely, while Erickson faced misdemeanour charges for reckless driving in January 2021, those charges were dismissed later on, according to statements from his legal representative.

The ramifications of this case extend beyond financial compensation, as the Iskander family has had to cope with an unimaginable loss. The court’s decisions highlight a growing insistence on holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly in cases resulting in severe consequences for innocents. The Iskander family will continue to grapple with their grief, while legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle.

This incident stands as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in reckless driving and the lasting impact it can have on families and communities. Through this legal process, the Iskander family’s plight has drawn attention to the need for continued discourse surrounding road safety, accountability, and the potential consequences of irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel.