Former Socialite Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Fatal DUI Crash that Killed Two Boys

In a tragic case that captured national attention, Rebecca Grossman, a former socialite and co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for a fatal DUI crash that claimed the lives of two young boys. The sentencing took place on Monday, following Grossman's conviction in February on charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run driving resulting in death.

The incident occurred on September 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, when Grossman struck and killed Jacob Iskander, 8, and his brother Mark Iskander, 11, while driving under the influence. The children's family and a neighbor, whose children had formed a close bond with the Iskander brothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivered impact statements during the sentencing.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued for the maximum sentence, stating that Grossman had shown no remorse for her actions and had not taken any responsibility for the tragic collision. Grossman, however, wrote a letter to the judge from jail prior to her sentencing, pleading for mercy and claiming that the facts of the case had been distorted, turning a tragic accident into murder.

"I swear to you, I would have driven my car into a tree to avoid hitting two little boys," Grossman wrote in her letter. "I am not a murderer, and I ask you to recognize that true fact."

The prosecution countered Grossman's claims, asserting that she had only blamed others and displayed a lack of remorse. They argued that her privileged lifestyle had led her to believe that her wealth and status would protect her from facing the consequences of her actions.

Grossman's sentencing hearing began on Monday morning, with both her family and the Iskander family present in the courtroom. Despite Grossman's failed attempt to secure a new trial last month, the judge found no conflict of interest related to one of her new attorney's other clients.

The heartbreaking loss of Jacob and Mark Iskander has left a lasting impact on their family, the community, and all those who knew them. As the case concludes with Rebecca Grossman's sentencing, it serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.