Grossman Trial Opens: Racing, Intoxication Alleged in Boys' Deaths

LOS ANGELES — Rebecca Grossman and her then-boyfriend were racing their cars while intoxicated when she struck and killed two young brothers in a crosswalk, an attorney for the boys' parents told a jury Friday, opening a high-profile criminal trial that has gripped Southern California.

The allegations came during opening statements in a case that has drawn widespread attention since the September 2020 crash in Westlake Village. Grossman, a socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, faces charges in the deaths of Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8.

Racing and Intoxication Alleged

According to the attorney representing the boys' parents, Grossman was racing against her ex-boyfriend when her vehicle struck the children as they crossed the street. The lawyer further alleged that both drivers were intoxicated at the time of the collision.

The LA Times reported the attorney's statements to the jury, though the outlet did not identify which specific charges Grossman faces or provide details about her ex-boyfriend's legal status. The nature of the racing—whether on public streets or in what context—was not elaborated in available reporting.

Background of the Case

The crash occurred more than five years ago in Westlake Village, an affluent community northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County. Mark and Jacob Iskander were killed instantly, according to earlier reports. Their deaths sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the local community.

Grossman's prominence as a philanthropist and socialite has kept the case in the public eye. The Grossman Burn Foundation, which she co-founded, has provided medical care and support to burn survivors for decades. Her arrest and subsequent prosecution have drawn national media coverage.

What the Trial May Reveal

Opening statements mark the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy trial. Prosecutors will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Grossman was racing and intoxicated, and that her actions directly caused the boys' deaths. Defense attorneys have not yet presented their case, and the full scope of evidence remains unclear.

Key questions include whether toxicology reports will be introduced, what eyewitness testimony will show, and whether the ex-boyfriend will face charges or testify. The trial is being closely watched by victims' rights advocates and those concerned with street racing and impaired driving.

Community Impact

The Iskander family's loss has resonated deeply in Westlake Village and beyond. Community members have held vigils and called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. The case has also reignited debates about wealth, privilege, and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Parents and pedestrian safety advocates have pointed to the crash as an example of the dangers posed by reckless driving in residential areas. Crosswalk safety has become a focal point in local discussions about traffic enforcement.

What we know: An attorney for the boys' parents alleges Rebecca Grossman and her ex-boyfriend were racing while intoxicated when her car struck and killed two brothers in a crosswalk in 2020. The trial opened Friday with these allegations. What's unclear: The specific charges Grossman faces, whether her ex-boyfriend has been charged, what evidence prosecutors will present, and how the defense will respond to the racing and intoxication claims.