Grossman Trial: Racing Allegation in Deaths of Two Boys

LOS ANGELES — Rebecca Grossman and her former boyfriend were racing their vehicles while intoxicated when she struck and killed two young brothers in a crosswalk, an attorney for the boys' parents told a jury Friday, according to testimony in the high-profile vehicular homicide trial.

The allegation shifts the focus of the case to reckless driving charges and raises questions about whether prosecutors will pursue additional accountability for the alleged racing partner. The trial centers on the September 2020 deaths of Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8, who were crossing a street in Westlake Village when they were struck.

Racing and Intoxication Allegations

Attorneys representing the Iskander family presented evidence Friday suggesting Grossman was not alone in her alleged reckless behavior the night of the crash. The claim that she and her ex-boyfriend were racing while under the influence adds a layer of complexity to what prosecutors have characterized as a case of extreme negligence.

Street racing in California carries serious criminal penalties, particularly when it results in death. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23109, participating in a speed contest that causes injury or death can result in felony charges with prison sentences ranging from 30 days to three years, or up to six years if the racing causes serious bodily injury or death.

The September 2020 Incident

The collision occurred in Westlake Village, a suburban community northwest of Los Angeles, as the Iskander brothers were in a marked crosswalk. Prosecutors have alleged that Grossman was driving at excessive speed and failed to stop after the initial impact, dragging one of the boys beneath her vehicle for a significant distance.

Rebecca Grossman, a socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, has pleaded not guilty to charges including two counts of murder and two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. If convicted on all counts, she faces 34 years to life in prison.

Legal Strategy and Defense

The defense has not yet presented its case, but legal observers expect attorneys to challenge the racing allegation and potentially argue that other factors contributed to the tragedy. The involvement of a second driver complicates the prosecution's narrative and may provide avenues for the defense to shift responsibility.

California law allows for murder charges in vehicular homicide cases when prosecutors can demonstrate "implied malice" — a conscious disregard for human life. The racing allegation, if proven, could strengthen the prosecution's argument that Grossman acted with such disregard.

Community Impact

The case has drawn significant attention in Los Angeles County, where street racing has become an increasing public safety concern. Community advocates have pointed to the Iskander brothers' deaths as emblematic of the deadly consequences of reckless driving in residential areas.

The boys' parents have attended court proceedings throughout the trial, seeking accountability for their sons' deaths. Their attorney's allegations Friday represent the most detailed public account yet of the circumstances surrounding the collision.

What Comes Next

The trial is expected to continue for several more weeks as prosecutors present additional evidence and witnesses. Legal experts anticipate that forensic evidence, including vehicle data recorders and toxicology reports, will play a central role in determining whether the racing allegation can be substantiated.

If prosecutors establish that a second driver was racing Grossman, that individual could face separate criminal charges. California law treats all participants in a street race equally culpable for resulting injuries or deaths, regardless of whose vehicle made direct contact with victims.

What we know: An attorney for the Iskander family alleges Rebecca Grossman and her ex-boyfriend were racing while intoxicated when her car killed two brothers in a crosswalk in September 2020. Grossman faces murder and vehicular manslaughter charges. What's unclear: Whether prosecutors will charge the alleged racing partner, and what forensic evidence will be presented to support the racing claim.