Pray for the Iskander family tonight and hold your loved ones close. Grossman, 58, kept her head down and clutched her husband's hand as she arrived at the Van Nuys courtroom on Monday. "Two young boys with an entire lifetime ahead of them.". Come Celebrate Women! Mark was allegedly carried 100ft on the hood of Grossman's car before she braked, at which point he fell off the car and she ran him over again as she fled the scene, say prosecutors. Representatives for the city of Westlake Village did not immediately respond to Law&Crimes request for comment. "I pray for every mom who's lost a son," she said, according to the Star. Grossman, 58, prior to being named a suspect in the Iskanders' case was also allegedly involved in another speeding accident. The video of the tragic incident is in possession of authorities and investigators had noted alcohol and street racing could've been contributing factors leading . It is ironic that the Iskander family not only sued the City of Westlake, but also sued the State of California for their sons deaths the same entity that now is attempting to prosecute Mrs. Grossman, Buzbees statement said. On September 29, 2020, Mark and Jacob Iskander were hit and killed by a vehicle in their Southern California neighborhood while on a walk with their family. It's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs.'. The Los Angeles socialite accused of mowing down two brothers at a crosswalk in 2020 has pleaded not guilty to the charges. ", "They were truly, truly awesome kids. REMEMBERING TWO YOUNG BROTHERS: 9 yo Jacob & 11 yo Mark Iskander hit & killed crossing a street in Westlake Village with their family. Grossmans attorney doesnt deny that his client was behind the wheel of the car that struck the boys but said that wasnt enough to warrant the severe charges. ABC News could not immediately reach the Grossman Burn Center for comment. ga('ads.send', { The Mercedes that struck and killed two brothers. Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Nancy Iskander appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday to testify in the preliminary hearing for the case, nearly two years after the hit-and-run crash killed her sons Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8. According to the Los Angeles Times, however, the BAC (blood alcohol content) tests were administered 90 minutes after the crash. Update: The Iskander family has been overwhelmed by all the love and support they have received from everyone. Rebecca Grossman accepts the Betty Fisher Legacy Award at Evening of Hope 2017, May 18, 2017, in Universal City, Calif. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is unfathomable to me how the state thinks it can prosecute someone while it is at the same time being sued for recklessness, and negligence for the very same incident.. They managed to pull two of their children to safety but Jacob and Mark A socialite magazine publisher has been arrested for allegedly killing two young brothers in a DUI hit-and-run while driving her Mercedes in California. The Sheriff's Department believed Grossman, the co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation could have sped off after the collision with one of the brothers who was dragged 100 feet on the hood of the car before Grossman braked. Alpine Village in Torrance closes after more than five decades, Gas prices rise for 31st consecutive day in LA County, Carjacking victim comes face to face with suspect during wild chase. At a hearing last December, the judge also said that the victims' parents, have been enduring 'torture and heartbreak' while the case drags on. 'Justice must be served, regardless of Grossman's financial means, status, privilege and connections,' declared one. As they approached the intersection with Saddle Mountain Drive, Iskander and her son Mark had the idea of crossing the road for a view of Westlake Lake. "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Sen. Henry Stern posted on Facebook. Grossman wasallegedly engaged in a high-speed game of chicken at the time with former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson when she struck the brothers with her car. (Photo courtesy of Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church) Authorities said the brothers were hit by a car in front of their parents and siblings as they crossed the street. The Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation helps fund a child development resource center in Egypt where these kids can take a break from the harsh reality of their lives. Why is Rebecca Grossman's case DELAYED again? She told the news outlet she plans to mark the occasion by going out to dinner with her husband and their two surviving children. Sheriffs deputies had previously clocked her speed as exceeding 80 miles per hour just seconds before. Importantly, contrary to some information that has been shared, Rebecca Grossman was not intoxicated, she has not been charged with DUI, and she certainly did not attempt to flee the scene, Buzbee said in his statement. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Rebecca's car struck the two boysMark died at the scene and Jacob died in hospital several hours later. She had blasted Grossman in September for not showing up to five previously scheduled court appearances after which she ordered her to show up in court on December 1. He was devoted to both learning and memorizing the word of God, and he spread it to everyone he met through his actions and infectious smile. "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Senator Henry Stern tweeted. The family is suffering. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! About Mark & Jacob Our Mission Updates Contact Donate. Her husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, is also a plastic surgeon. Nancy Iskander, Mark and Jacob's mother, has repeatedly complained about delays in the court proceedings, saying they represent more than two years of her family's suffering. Authorities investigating the crash in 2020. RELATED: 2 brothers killed in apparent street racing crash; suspect ID'ed as member of prominent Grossman family. eventAction: 'view' Cruise-goers reveal their most terrifying incidents at sea - from watching a ferocious 'You'll be missed forever': Elizabeth Hurley and son Damian share heartfelt tribute to her late ex Shane 'I was a bit of a mess': Amanda Abbington reveals she considered suicide after split from ex Martin Freeman Matt Hancock discussed 'deploying' new virus variant to 'frighten the pants off everyone' as former Health 'So many dead. With her husband, prominent plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman, 59, Grossman is the founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation and ex-publisher of Westlake Magazine. Thank you! She ran the boy over again after he fell off the hood. 2. That $2 million bail, plus the slow pace of court proceedings including several hearings where Grossman didn't show up have sparked outrage from protesters who believe her wealth and 'connections' have kept her out of jail. "I still see it every night. They want to know what happened. Nancy Iskander said anyone who wants to support Mark and Jacobs legacy can do so through the charity founded in their memory with the Ventura County Community Foundation, the Ventura County Star reported. The hearing will end with Samuels determining whether to move forward with bringing the criminal case to trial or to dismiss the charges. I dont see the difference between that and shooting a gun randomly.. "When they were little I thought it was my job to teach them but especially in the last year I think it was the opposite. Jacob Iskander would have turned 11 on this coming Friday, his mother Nancy Iskander told the Ventura County Star after Tuesdays hearing. Grossman was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter. let gads_event; "This is the Iskanders third holiday season without Mark and Jacob. He was eventually located up the roadway, his skateboard broken and his shoes off his feet. [I]f someone gets killed I hope the family knows that this has been reported repeatedly and sues the city for negligence, said another, according to Buzbee. It is a very tragic situation. Love to Party for GoodGood for You + Community Too! She added, "They need to hear the evidence. Our Freedom of Information Act requests have revealed that, despite multiple complaints from concerned citizens and many near misses, the city of Westlake Village refused on at least five occasions (2014/2017/2018/2019) to make the crossing safe, Buzbee said in a statement to Law and Crime. An attorney for Grossman could not be immediately identified by PEOPLE and it is not clear if she has entered a plea at this time. She finally pulled over a mile and a half away. She apologized to the Iskander family saying, "I'm sorry but my hands are tied." ga('ads.send', { Rebecca Grossman's lawyers are now claiming that the city of Westlake Village is responsible for the alleged hit-and-run deaths of Jacob and Mark Iskander for which their client has been charged. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. Have a tip or story idea? Grossman entered the Van Nuys courtroom Monday, being charged with two counts of murder and two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Nancy Iskander, second from right, is consoled during a break from a hearing for Rebecca Grossman, who is charged with murder in a crash in Westlake Village that killed Iskander's sons Mark,. Learn more about the foundation's orphanage, programs for impoverished youth, and support for foster children. The boys, who were on roller skates and a skateboard at the time, were crossing a marked crosswalk with their parents, Nancy Iskander and Karim Iskander, nearby. He stands tall, he speaks with confidence. Additionally, she is being held on a 2 million dollar bail. The children were crossing a street in Westlake Village when they were hit by a driver just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! It haunts me every night," Iskander said. She said she looked up to see two vehicles, one black and one white, zig-zagging between lanes as they approached the crosswalk heading northbound. Rebecca Grossman continues to mourn the loss of these two children who were lost in this tragic accident, Buzbee stated. The murder trial of a Los Angeles socialite accused of hitting and killing two brothers in a crosswalk could start asearly as this spring, according to the Ventura County Star. The hearing before Judge Shellie Samuelswas to determine whether the suspected driver in the crash, Hidden Hills resident Rebecca Grossman, 58, should be brought to trial for the charges. Instead, she was cooperative and police with the investigating officers.. RELATED:Electrocution Deaths Of Wisconsin Couple Linked To Dangerous Viral Art TikTok Trend. All rights reserved. The best beach in Britain that you've never heard of: Seaside town is braced for tourism boom after Kate Garraway reveals Derek's heartbreaking words when they thought he had just minutes left to live. Both children were pronounced dead that night. 'I heard the engines from two SUVs coming at us at insane speeds,' Iskander said. }); eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Mark and Jacob Iskander, 11 and 8, were with their family Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, when they were struck and killed in Westlake Village by a Mercedes driven by Rebecca Grossman, the chairwoman of . The hearing was continued to Tuesday morning with at least a half-dozen more witnesses expected to testify. Authorities said the brothers were hit by a car in front of their parents and siblings as they crossed the street Tuesday night at Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive in Westlake Village. He also alleges that his investigators have determined that Grossman was traveling at just under 52 mph when she struck the boys, according to Law and Crime. It's GRAYGATE! According to several local reports, including those from CBS Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee . 11-year-old Mark and 9-year-old Jacob Iskander were run down on the road while their parents watched in horror, according to People. 'I still see it every night. After the first car passed, the second vehicle, a white Mercedes GLE 43, drove through the crosswalk. ga('ads.send', { eventAction: 'click_adunit' Or to keep it anonymous, click here. But said neither Grossman's white Mercedes Benz nor Scott Erickson's black SUV stopped. Grossman allegedly traveled more than 100 feet with one of the boys still on the hood of her car before the eyes of their horrified parents. Over 18 months after a hit-and-run crash killed her 11-year-old son Mark and 8-year-old son Jacob, Iskander appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday to testify in the preliminary hearing for thecase. Samuels will then decide if Grossman should be ordered to stand trial or not. Buzbee noted that the Iskander family have sued the City of Westlake and the State of California, alleging that the crossing was a substantial factor in the deaths of their sons. Grossman has also been involved in other humanitarian causes, including the prevention of violence against women, human rights and the American Heart Association, from whom she won a 'Woman of the Year' award in 2007. Police claim that when the boys were hit by her car, Grossman was driving over the 45mph speed limit and may have been racing with her friend and near-neighbor, World Series-winning pitcher Scott Erickson, 54, while the two were on their way to the same house party. One of the protesters, mother-of-two Julie Cohen, 58, - who made the Mark and Jacob T-shirts bearing the words 'JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED, plus similar stickers - told told DailyMail.com, 'There have been too many delays already. "I know that I will see them again, and I look so forward to the. a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in prison if convicted, The crash occurred the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, along Triunfo Canyon Road, has since been charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Grossman is the co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation. hitType: 'event', On Friday, Grossman entered a plea of not guilty to a number of charges, including murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to Fox News. Jacob and Zachary were holed up all day and wanted to get some fresh air," the mother of four said. Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. Jacob was a great friend to all who were blessed enough to call him a pal. Nancy Iskander, the boys' mother, narrowly saved one of her younger children, who was riding a scooter, as well as her youngest child, who was in a baby stroller, but couldnt grab Jacob or Mark in time. Grossman is headed back to court on January 7 and Samuels said, "I want you and your new attorney here." The parents told cops that when they heard Grossman's white Mercedes approaching at speed, they reached out to protect their children, but could only grab the closest, Zackary and Violet. Everything to Know About Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Shooting Charges, and What Happens Next? Police officers claimed the driver of the vehicle was under the influence and now Rebecca Grossman is on trial over the accident. They are entitled to that." She was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and DUI after her front-end-damaged car broke down a quarter mile from the crash site. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ Karim and Nancy Iskander parents of Mark and Jacob Iskander leave Los Angeles Superior Court Monday after a hearing for Rebecca Grossman, who is accused of killing their two children as they were crossing the street in Westlake Village. Speed and alcohol cited as contributing factors. }); All six of them were walking across a crosswalk at a. The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation Fund is held with the Ventura County Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity, Federal Tax ID number: 77-0165029. The vehicle's driver, 57-year-old, Rebecca Grossman, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, racing, and fleeing the scene of the crime. If you could add them to your holiday card list, it would mean so much to them," said Julie Cohen, a family friend and advocate. "I heard the engines from two SUVs coming at us at insane speeds," Iskander said. A scuffed copy of the Koran. eventAction: 'click_ads' Mark, age 11 and a 6th-grade student at Oaks Christian, and Jacob, age 9 and a 3rd-grade student at Ascension Lutheran, were on an evening walk with their parents . Iskander said she waited for the road to clear before they began crossing. 'I realized something happened to Mark and Jacob.'. WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Dozens gathered in Westlake Village Wednesday evening to remember two brothers, ages 9 and 11, killed in a horrific car crash that may have involved drinking and street racing. Grossmans attorney, Tony Buzbee, released a statement claiming the incident was a tragic accident," laying the blame on the city of Westlake Village for having a crosswalk that was poorly marked, unguarded, and unlit.. We pray daily for the family, their loved ones, and the community. Grossman was allegedly street-racing with Erickson; witnesses say she tailed Ericksons SUV just before he swerved to avoid hitting the Iskanders, leaving no time for Grossman to stop. Socialite ran over Iskander kids in 2020. The prosecutions insistence on overcharging my client, a pillar of this community, with murder is nothing more than a transparent effort to force her to plea that is impeding progress in this case.. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Buzbee also said that his investigators have preliminary determined from at least two sources that Grossman was traveling at just under 52 miles per hour when she struck the boys, a significantly slower speed than what prosecutors have alleged. During Breathalyzer tests, Grossman blew a .075 and then .076 (under Californias legal limit of .08). There was inadequate and unsafe sight lines and sight distances for drivers traveling through the intersection (which) lacks traffic control or warning devices necessary to prevent the intersection from being a concealed trap for pedestrians, the suit against the city stated, according to the Acorn. Our thoughts are with the family and community of Mark and Jacob Iskander . Of his younger son, Karim added, "Jacob was the coolest boy ever. The Iskander family filed a lawsuit against the state of California, L.A. County and Westlake Village in August 2021. Rebecca Grossman, 57, who is a co-founder . Jacob, age 8, never shied away from adventure and excitement! Who is James Khuri? Sadly, as is typical for a neglectful government, nine days after the accident in this case, the city finally acted when it allocated $250,000 to install flashing lights at this crossing, Grossmans attorney said. Love to Party for Goodfor Sweet Kids + Moms + Dads + Grandma Too! Rebecca Grossman socialite arrested in DUI crash that killed Mark and Jacob Iskander two young boys. window.adsContainer = {"positionAfterTitle":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position2":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position3":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Below_Next_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position4":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position5":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle1_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position6":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle2_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position7":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle3_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position8":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle4_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position9":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position10":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle6_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position11":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle7_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position12":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle8_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position13":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle9_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position14":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle10_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position15":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle11_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position16":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle12_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"positionTop":{"code":"Article_Desktop_970x250_Header_Rel","isOrganicUserAd":false,"max_width":970,"max_height":250},"positionBottom":{"code":"Article_Desktop_Sidebar_Bottom_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":300,"max_height":600},"positionBottomRight":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280}} Cohen, a neighbor of the Iskander family in Westlake Village, added, 'If Grossman didn't have money and connections, she would have been in custody all this time instead of free on bail. REVEALED: Huge sonic boom felt by thousands across the country was caused by RAF Typhoon jets scrambling to DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? Grossman was driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV. Mark, age 11, was gifted in math and science. "After allegedly striking the children, Grossman allegedly continued driving, eventually stopping about one-quarter mile away from the scene when her car engine cutoff," the DA said. And that hate stems from believing everything thats been put out there about who I am: that I have no remorse, that Im this monster, that this hasnt affected my life, that I just go about my every day as if this never happened. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. The driver accused of killing the boys is 57-year-old Rebecca Grossman, and was allegedly drunk during the horrific accident. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? Grossman could receive a sentence of up to 34 years to life in state prison if she is convicted as charged, the DA's office said. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs. Two other children are said to have been pulled out of harm's way. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), One boy was pronounced dead at the scene. ", Photo: Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church of Ventura County, 2 Young Brothers Killed in Front of Parents by Car, and Socialite Driver Is Charged with DUI, L.A. Sheriff's Deputy Charged with Murder in Fatal Crash that Killed 12-Year-Old Boy, Minnesota Mom Convicted of Murdering Her 6-Year-Old Son After Going to Gun Range for Shooting Practice, Calif. Man Arrested After Allegedly Crashing into Church Van, Killing 3 Coming from Bible Study, Woman Allegedly Used Social Media to Find and Kill Doppelgnger So She Could Fake Her Own Death. The Grossman Burn Foundation did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Donations can also be made to The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation online, which has already built an orphanage in Egypt and supports local foster children and students. The city was repeatedly asked to upgrade and make the crosswalk safer. "It was the pandemic. According to FR24 News, the boys parents, Karim and Nancy Iskander, were walking with their four children at the time of the crash. Grossman and her husband are the founders of the Grossman Burn Foundation, which seeks "to promote effective, sustainable partnership solutions for the comprehensive treatment, care, and support of burn survivors and their families in the United States and around the world," according to the organization's website. ADVERTISEMENT In fact, that particular crosswalk had been the subject of scores of citizen complaints for many years, Buzbee stated. Rebecca Grossman in a 2014 video. The boys' mother, Nancy Iskander was also seen wearing one of the T-shirts as she thanked the protesters for their support. It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. The socialite is currently charged with two counts of murder and faces a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The mother and father were able to pull the other two children back in time, and the vehicle struck the two other children," Capt Salvador Becerra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said at the time to ABC confirming Mark had died on scene while Jacob died at the hospital. Iskander held her hand up to indicate they were crossing, but as the black car approached the intersection first, she quickly realized the car was not going to stop. Grossman allegedly reached speeds of up to 81 miles per hour in her Mercedes Benz before hitting the brothers as they walked with their parents and siblings in a crosswalk along Triunfo Canyon Road in Westlake Village northwest of Los Angeles, according to previous Oxygen.com reporting. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. The Iskander brothers had been walking across a crosswalk with their parents and two siblings, Zackary and Violet, when they were struck. She is out of jail on a $2 million bond, according to jail records. LA millionaire covers up for son, 17, who drove $200K Lamborghini and killed Monique Munoz, What is James Khuri's net worth? The mother and father were able to pull the other two children back in time, and the vehicle struck the two other children," said Capt. Nonprofit Founder Charged with Murder After Allegedly Killing 2 Boys in Hit and Run Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, were killed in September when Rebecca Grossman allegedly.