Grossman Trial Opens with Racing, Intoxication Allegations

LOS ANGELES — Rebecca Grossman and her former boyfriend were racing their vehicles while intoxicated when she struck and killed two young brothers in a marked crosswalk, an attorney representing the boys' parents told jurors Friday as the high-profile trial opened in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The allegations, presented during opening statements, frame the prosecution's case around dual claims of street racing and impaired driving in the deaths of the two children. Grossman faces criminal charges stemming from the fatal collision.

The Allegations

According to the attorney's statement to the jury, Grossman was behind the wheel of her vehicle when it struck the two brothers as they crossed in a designated crosswalk. Prosecutors allege she was engaged in a race with her ex-boyfriend at the time of impact and that both drivers were under the influence of alcohol.

The boys' parents have retained legal counsel in what is expected to be a parallel civil action. Their attorney used Friday's opening to outline the factual basis for both criminal liability and potential civil damages, emphasizing the alleged recklessness of racing on public streets while intoxicated.

What Comes Next

The trial is expected to feature testimony from accident reconstruction experts, toxicology reports, and witness accounts of the moments leading up to the collision. Prosecutors will need to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Grossman was racing and impaired, and that her conduct directly caused the deaths.

Defense attorneys have not yet presented their opening statement. Legal observers anticipate they will challenge the characterization of the incident as a race and contest the evidence of intoxication. The trial could last several weeks as both sides present evidence and call witnesses.

Legal and Community Impact

The case has drawn significant attention in Southern California, where pedestrian fatalities in crosswalks remain a persistent public safety concern. Advocacy groups have pointed to the incident as emblematic of the dangers posed by street racing and impaired driving in residential areas.

If convicted on all counts, Grossman could face substantial prison time. The charges carry penalties that reflect the severity of the alleged conduct: racing, intoxication, and the deaths of two children. Civil liability, pursued separately by the family, could result in significant financial damages.

What we know: Prosecutors allege Grossman and her ex-boyfriend were racing while intoxicated when her vehicle struck and killed two boys in a crosswalk. Opening statements began Friday. What's unclear: The defense has not yet outlined its case, and key evidence—including toxicology results and accident reconstruction findings—has not been publicly detailed. The trial is ongoing.