The founder of a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization has been charged with the murder of two school-aged boys in a hit-and-run in September. He was eventually located up the roadway, his skateboard broken and his shoes off his feet. [I]t is now clear that one of the primary causes of the accident, in this case, was the dangerous aspects of the pedestrian crossing where it occurred, attorney Tony Buzbee said Tuesday in a statement emailed to Law&Crime. It haunts me every night," Iskander said. They managed to pull two of their children to safety but Jacob and Mark According to several local reports, including those from CBS Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee . "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Sen. Henry Stern posted on Facebook. Two brothers, Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 9, were struck and killed by a drunk driver as they crossed the street in a crosswalk on Tuesday, September 29th in Westlake Village. According to FR24 News, the boys parents, Karim and Nancy Iskander, were walking with their four children at the time of the crash. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. }); Traveling over the posted speed limit is simply not murder, no matter how the DA attempts to twist the facts for his own purposes.. 'Justice must be served, regardless of Grossman's financial means, status, privilege and connections,' declared one. Representatives for the city of Westlake Village did not immediately respond to Law&Crimes request for comment. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), 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. We are deeply devastated by the heartbreaking loss of Mark and Jacob Iskander. let gads_event; After only two years of arriving to Canada from Croatia, we were in a car accident at age 14 I was orphaned.<br><br>Upon graduating from University of Ottawa I was drafted to play in the Canadian Football League.<br><br>At TK Financial we create strategic solutions combining Life Insurance and Estate Planning strategies that are time-tested and proven.<br><br>We have uncovered millions of . On September 14, Samuels blasted Grossman for not showing up at her previous five scheduled court appearances, all of which were continued. 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. }); They want to know what happened. Rebecca Grossman, the co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, has been identified as the suspect in a crash that killed two young brothers in Westlake Village. She was paid $100,000 insurance with an additional $15,000 in repairs for her Mercedes. Why is Rebecca Grossman's case DELAYED again? 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 to Law and Crime said. Rebecca Grossman Grossman accepts the Betty Fisher Legacy Award at Evening of Hope 2017 at Sheraton Universal on May 18, 2017 in Universal City, California. 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. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. I dont see the difference between that and shooting a gun randomly.. 'Very open to the idea': Julia Wandelt takes DNA test to verify if she is missing Swiss girl Livia Schepp, Kayla Lemieux: Teacher with prosthetic Z-cup breasts suspended WITH PAY after pics show her dressed as man, Michael Schneider: Psychic detective gives '100%' verdict on whether Julia Wandelt is Madeleine McCann, Lindsay Clancy case: Psychologist reveals psychosis red flags family members could have spotted, 'We have lots to reveal': Madeleine McCann lookalike Julia Wandelt posts footage of meeting with PI probing claims. Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Rebecca Grossman was arraigned Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court and charged with two felony counts each of murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced. It haunts me every night,' Iskander said, once again having to relive the nightmare of losing her children. The boys, one riding a scooter and the other on roller skates, were walking with their parents and . In September 2020, Rebecca Grossman ran over two boys Mark and Jacob Iskander with her Mercedes in West Lake, California. The Grossman Burn Foundation is the "philanthropic arm" of the Grossman Burn Centers, which were founded by Rebecca Grossman's father-in-law, according to the website. Jacob loved running track because it allowed him to showcase his speed, his strength, and his sportsmanship. ', The other petition proclaimed, 'Let's push to spread awareness about this case and put Rebecca Grossman behind bars. "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. 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. 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. Grossman is expected back in court in August, according to NBC Los Angeles, with her trial slated to begin in September. Rebecca Grossman stands accused of street racing at speeds up to 81 mph just before she plowed through a residential crosswalk, killing Mark and Jacob Iskander. Mark's third-grade teacher Kristen Rowlands remembered her student as having an "outgoing passion" paired with "smarts," adding that his younger brother was full of confidence and "so much joy," the Thousand Oaks Acorn reported. Brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander, 11 and 8, were walking with their parents and siblings in Westlake Village, California, in September 2020 when they were struck and killed The Iskander. It is a very tragic situation. All rights reserved. After the first car passed, the second vehicle, a white Mercedes GLE 43, drove through the crosswalk. ga('ads.send', { Los Angeles socialite Rebecca Grossman is facing manslaughter charges after two young brothers are killed in a DUI hit and run last week. Investigators say alcohol and street racing may have played a part in the collision. 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 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. 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. Jacob Iskander would have turned 11 on this coming Friday, his mother Nancy Iskander told the Ventura County Star after Tuesday's hearing. 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 Iskander family, along with Residents of Westlake Village, California have been mourning the loss of two beautiful children for over two years. Have a tip or story idea? if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ hitType: 'event', The city was told time after time that someone would be killed if measures were not taken. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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. Have a tip we should know? Supporters of the Iskander family were also at the hearing, wearing buttons that read Justice for Mark and Jacob.. He stands tall, he speaks with confidence. AGOURA HILLS, CA This holiday season, add the Iskander family to your holiday card recipient list. Participants are asked to send their holiday cards to P.O. MEAWW is an initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide. Rebecca Grossman, 58, is accused of barreling her Mercedes Benz at speeds of up to 81 mph toward the Iskander family, killing brothers Jacob and Mark, ages 8 and 11, in the residential area of Westlake Village, California. Update: The Iskander family has been overwhelmed by all the love and support they have received from everyone. }); Nancy Iskander and her husband Karim leave Van Nuys Courthouse during a lunch break from a preliminary hearing for Rebecca Grossman, who is charged with murder and other counts stemming from a . RELATED: 2 brothers killed in apparent street racing crash; suspect ID'ed as member of prominent Grossman family. Grossman is the co-founder and head of the Grossman Burn Foundation and is a well-known socialite in Los Angeles. Justice must be served, regardless of Grossmans financial means, status, privilege, and connections.". According to her lawyer, previous reports about the incident have been inaccurate. More information is available at. We are one of the worlds fastest growing Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Our family is super excited and invites you to visit the Mark We are ready to welcome children in the newly built Mark and Jacob Iskander Orphanage! }); After Iskander's testimony, four more witnesses were called to the stand. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), But said neither Grossman's white Mercedes Benz nor Scott Erickson's black SUV stopped. ", "They were truly, truly awesome kids. "I heard the engines from two SUVs coming at us at insane speeds," Iskander said. Mark and Jacob were in a marked crosswalk with their mother, Nancy Iskander, and younger brother Zachary, then 5. On Sept. 29, 2020, Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8, had tried to cross Triunfo Canyon Road at Saddle Mountain Drive when they were hit by a passing car, killing them both. Salvador Becerra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. 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. Rebecca Grossmans lawyers now allege the citys failure to make the intersection safer is the primary reason for the boys deaths, according to. hitType: 'event', Iskander said she waited for the road to clear before they began crossing. Please know that along with Rebecca Grossman, we remain heartbroken and grieve deeply for the parents of Mark and Jacob Iskander. These victims lost two children. 57, struck and killed nine year-old Jacob Iskander . We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 'We demand that Grossman is prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law and that she face serious consequences for her actions that took away the lives of Mark and Jacob. 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. She's accused of killing 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his. Jacob and Mark's mother Nancy Iskander testified to walking with three of her sons at the crosswalk. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . 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. Grossman allegedly kept driving after striking the children, only stopping a quarter-mile away because her engine cut off, authorities have said. Buzbee emphasized that Grossman was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which was suspected in early reports. 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. 'I heard a really loud noise, I looked back and I either felt or saw the other car speeding also,' Iskander said. hitType: 'event', The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities. 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. In September 2020, the young lives of Mark and Jacob Iskander were tragically taken by a drunk driver in a hit and run accident while on a family walk in their neighborhood in California. Additionally, she is being held on a 2 million dollar bail. 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. 'I do apologize for the delays.'. But despite the severity of the crimes she's accused of, she's been free on bail since being charged two days after the tragedy. It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney. The killing of my sons were indirect consequences of those extremely reckless actions that basically used the car as a weapon, the childrens father, Karim Iskander, said in Aprils preliminary hearing. Grossman lives in a sprawling $9.5million mansion in Hidden Hills that features nine bedrooms and 12 bathrooms on the same street where Full House actress Lori Loughlin lives, A view of the pool area of the home is shown in the estate's sprawling backyard. Rebecca Grossman, 57, who is a co-founder . document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ 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}} It's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs.'. Crash that Killed Pregnant Mom, 4 Others Was Involved in 13 Prior Wrecks: Prosecutors, Driver Charged with DWI and Murder Allegedly Smirked as He Ran Over Boy, 6, Multiple Times: Grandfather. The brothers were identified by friends and by the Acorn newspaper as 9-year-old Jacob Iskander and 11-year-old Mark. "All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most their parents. 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. She apologized to the Iskander family saying, "I'm sorry but my hands are tied." A Change.org petition was started after the Iskander boys' deaths, demanding for Grossman to be "prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law and that she face serious consequences for her actions that took away the lives of Mark and Jacob.". People dropped off flowers and toys near the crosswalk close to the crash site. 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 . 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. 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. } The family is suffering. When she turned, she saw Jacob lying in the roadway "as if he was sleeping," but Mark was nowhere to be found. 'I realized something happened to Mark and Jacob.'. Grossman is a a co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation anddaughter-in-law of Dr. A. Richard Grossman, founder of the Grossman Burn Centers, which treat burn victims at three facilities in Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Kansas City, Missouri. The crash occurred the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, along Triunfo Canyon Roadat the intersection with Saddle Mountain Drive in Westlake Village. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The Iskander family filed a lawsuit against the state of California, L.A. County and Westlake Village in August 2021. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more!