Grossman Burn Foundation Co-Founder Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Fatal Crash

In a poignant hearing in Van Nuys, Rebecca Grossman, the co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for the tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of two young boys.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino, refraining from the prosecution’s request for a 34-year-to-life sentence, acknowledged the unprecedented loss but considered Grossman’s lack of criminal history and benevolent deeds.

The victims, Mark and Jacob Iskander, aged 11 and 8, were struck by Grossman’s vehicle while crossing a street with their family on Sept. 29, 2020.

During the emotional sentencing, tears were evident in the courtroom as both Grossman and those present listened to heart-wrenching statements. Grossman expressed deep remorse, stating she had been advised against contacting the victims’ family to avoid influencing the case.

Grossman strongly maintained at the hearing that she never saw the boys on the road that fateful night and professed she would have sacrificed her own life to avoid hitting them.

Nancy Iskander, the boys’ mother, refuted Grossman’s claim of being restrained from contacting them and vividly recalled an encounter with the defendant outside a hospital emergency room.

Prosecutors argued that Grossman showed a lack of remorse and attributed the accident to her recklessness. They emphasized her alleged speeding, impairment, and failure to aid the victims.

Deputy District Attorneys Ryan Gould, Jamie Castro, and Habib Balian highlighted Grossman’s alleged excessive speed, impairment, and evasion of responsibility, painting a picture of a privileged person shirking accountability.

Grossman, through her new defense attorneys, countered by stating the incident was a tragic accident for which she bears responsibility but not the label of a callous criminal.

The defense team advocated for probation with a suspended prison sentence, citing Grossman’s philanthropic efforts through the Grossman Burn Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband.

Proper Nouns: Rebecca Grossman, Grossman Burn Foundation, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino, Mark Iskander, Jacob Iskander, Mark and Jacob Iskander, Nancy Iskander, Van Nuys, Ryan Gould, Jamie Castro, Habib Balian, Scott Erickson, California Highway Patrol