Rebecca Grossman murder trial: Jury deliberations begin after boys killed in Westlake Village crash

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

Jury deliberations have begun in the trial of Rebecca Grossman who is accused of hitting and killing two young brothers in Westlake Village in 2020.Grossman is facing a total of five charges: two counts of murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter and one count of hit-and-run causing death.She’s accused of speeding through a crosswalk where the two brothers, 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob, were walking. Both of them were struck and killed.In court Wednesday, Deputy District Attorney Jamie Castro started her opening arguments to the jury by saying: “This was not a tragic accident – this was murder.”Prosecutors reviewed the case, including witness statements that Grossman and former major league pitcher Scott Erikson were racing when they approached the crosswalk at high speed.Castro reminded the jury of testimony from the boys’ mother, Nancy Iskander, as to what she saw that night.”I saw two cars coming towards us at an insane crazy speed. They were switching lanes like they were playing. I freaked. I put my hand up in the air.”Moments later, her two sons were hit.Grossman’s defense team contends Erikson hit the boys first. Castro said there’s no evidence to substantiate that claim.Lead defense attorney Tony Buzbee started off by asking the jury: “Where’s Scott Erickson? Why have the prosecutors not made an effort to find him?”In court Thursday morning, Deputy D.A. Ryan Gould wrapped closing arguments by reminding the jury that there is no evidence that the black SUV driven by Erickson hit the boys first. All of the evidence points to Grossman, he said.If convicted on all charges, Grossman is facing 34 years to life in prison. She did not testify during her trial.

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.