}); According to its website, the Grossman Burn Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Grossman Burn Centers Inc, which treats the victims of severe burns all over the world. Her mugshot was not released to the public. 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. pg.acq.push(function() { Whoopi Goldberg interrupts 'The View' live segment, raises her voice and hits co-host, Baywatch star Jeremy Jacksons ex-wife Loni Willison spotted looking for food in LA waste, 'Liza took a final breath and sighed': Liza Burke, 21, dies 6 weeks after stage 4 cancer diagnosis, 'Go for a size bigger': Honey Boo Boo slammed for flaunting 'tight' prom dress with boyfriend Dralin Carswell. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. This is a serious case. }); Los Angeles socialite Rebecca Grossman was accused of running over and killing two young brothers while drunk racing in her Mercedes in September 2020. (@ScottSteepleton video) #accornnewspaper pic.twitter.com/ksFIv019X7. Crash that Killed Pregnant Mom, 4 Others Was Involved in 13 Prior Wrecks: Prosecutors. },false) 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.. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In a statement released, Grossman's attorney said, "Rebecca Grossman has entered a not guilty plea in this case, and the government has yet to present any evidence in court. Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation Fund ga('ads.send', { Grossman and her husband founded the Grossman Burn Foundation, a Los Angeles County-based nonprofit that provides burn prevention education and burn treatment, according to its website. Westlake Wrongful Death Case: Court Delays Justice For Family . The Iskanders in their final photo together: parents Nancy and Karim; their sons, Zachary, Jacob and Mark; and baby daughter, Violet. 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. ", Meanwhile, at the hearing, Judge Shellie Samuels apologized to the victims' parents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, for the constant delay in the case. Marks and Jacobs family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime. 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. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' The 57-year-old was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for running over the kids aged 11 and 9. We think the whole justice system, they looked at the facts and they made the right decision. 1 Dead, 12 Injured After Car Runs Into Taco Stand in Pomona, Calif. Driver Charged with DWI and Murder Allegedly Smirked as He Ran Over Boy, 6, Multiple Times: Grandfather, Man Charged with Murder After Cyclist, 77, Killed in Hit-and-Run During Charity Ride, Man Who Shot Lady Gaga's Dog Walker During Dognapping Sentenced to 21 Years: 'I Do Forgive You'. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Connor Nagel, one of Mark's closest friends, recalled how quickly they befriended each other once Mark started attending Ascension Lutheran. He didnt realize at first that both boys had been struck. At the instructions of someone already performing CPR compressions, Karim Iskander began giving his oldest son mouth-to-mouth to no avail. ga('ads.send', { eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), On Sep 29, 2020, the Iskander family lost their two sons, Mark (11) and Jacob (8), due to a reckless driver. Her 5-year-old son, who survived the incident, saw paramedics perform CPR on Jacob, she said. "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. Mark's and Jacob's family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime. Grossman's sentence must be proportionate to her crime in order to prevent future similar tragedies, and endangerment of other families and young children. "I don't understand why they are not here with us today," the elderNagel said. Church served as the center for the Iskander children's lives, as evidenced by the stories shared by their formerSunday school teacher, Mariam Guirgos, as well as their classmates at Ascension Lutheran School. Mark and Jacob were excited about learning. Karim Iskander said he wishes he could tell the boys how much he misses them. The trooper warned her she might kill someone. Grossman, 57, was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter, the sheriff's department said. "I don't know if God will ever give me this understanding, but I do know that I feel so blessed to have known Mark and Jacob for the short time that I did.". Karim lagged a few minutes behind, pushing Violet in a stroller. According to her lawyer, previous reports about the incident have been inaccurate. Rebecca Grossman, 57, was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Rebecca Grossman hit the youngsters in front of their parents - then drove off with one of the victims trapped on the hood of her luxury car . She could have walked back to the scene. Our freedom of information act requests has 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.. "All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most their parents. It haunts me every night," Iskander said. Cyril Gorgy, a parish priest at the Coptic Orthodox Church where the Iskander family attends services. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. What helps most, the parents said, is their belief in God. 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. With your support, Mark and Jacobs light will travel to the darkest places and illuminate countless young lives both at home and abroad, through three projects dedicated to supporting orphans in Egypt, impoverished youth, and foster children. Nonprofit Co-Founder Charged With Murder In Alleged Hit-And-Run That Killed Two Young Brothers Rebecca Grossman allegedly struck Jacob and Mark Iskander, then continued driving for 100 feet with one of them on the hood of the car before he fell off and she ran over him again, according to authorities. "I grew up in the days in Thousand Oaks when neighbors helped one another," Cohen said. Courtesy of Grossman, a Hidden Hills resident, is accused of hitting Jacob, 8, and Mark Iskander, 11, with her car. In addition to offering them respite, the program addresses their educational needs and teaches them new skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Mark Iskander was a sixth grader at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, while Jacob Iskander attended Ascension Lutheran School in Thousand Oaks. Authorities investigating the crash in 2020. Your generosity will allow children to reach their full potential academically, socially, and psychologically by offering them the love, support, and tools they need to succeed. It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. Erickson has been charged with a count of misdemeanor reckless driving. 'These continual delays are awful for the family. Rebecca Grossman to Stand Trial in Jacob and Mark Iskander's Deaths As per the family's wishes, all contributions will be donated to a charity of their choosing in honor of Mark and Jacob. The suspected driver, Rebecca Grossman, was located at or near the crash site, according to the sheriff's office. Support from the community has been overwhelming, the Iskander family said. The eighth grader was one of many people who spoke at Thursday's vigil for Mark and Jacob Iskander, two young brothers who were fatally struck by a car on Sept. 29, 2020. Courtesy of the Iskander family. About Mark & Jacob Our Mission Updates Contact Donate. REMEMBERING TWO YOUNG BROTHERS: 9 yo Jacob & 11 yo Mark Iskander hit & killed crossing a street in Westlake Village with their family. The boys' father, Karim Iskander, said Mark had "the sweetest heart ever," and would "spread sincere appreciation and laughter." 'I heard a really loud noise, I looked back and I either felt or saw the other car speeding also,' Iskander said. But said neither Grossman's white Mercedes Benz nor Scott Erickson's black SUV stopped. The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation celebrates the extraordinary lives of Mark and Jacob Iskander by continuing their mission of love and light. 2 years after fatal hit-and-run, boys are remembered as family WATCH LIVE: Retrial for Florida man Eric Robinson accused of brutal love triangle murder, Law&Crime Looks Ahead to 10 Remarkable Criminal Trials Scheduled for the First Half of 2023, 9 Shocking Times Defendants Testified at Trial, 10 Most Memorable Law&Crime Network Trials, Completely sickening: Woman already charged with killing infant accused of causing severe injuries to 2nd baby, Man faces over a dozen charges after allegedly threatening to kill a police sergeant and pulling a knife on arresting officers after several recent run-ins with law enforcement, Educators forced 7-year-old boy to eat his own vomit: Police, Phony doctor treated thousands including cancer patients without medical license: DA, Man sentenced in grisly killing of missing model who was strangled, injected with pool cleaner, and encased in concrete, DNA links missing moms cold case to active murder investigation, Woman indicted for selling this man human body parts she stole from mortuary: Authorities, Manhunt underway for gunman accused of killing 5, including 8-year-old boy, in execution-style shooting with AR-style rifle after neighbors complained about gunfire: Sheriff, Man known as 'Compassion Guy,' praised for selflessness, stabbed in violent and senseless attack at California park, Murder case 'refused' against couple who allegedly smothered newborn and threw her away in trash bag, Washington mom vanishes moments after calling 911, White woman who made false accusation that led to lynching of Emmett Till, one of the most infamous acts of racial violence, dies at age 88, Newport News school district says teacher risked gun violence from first-grader as part of her job, suggests being attacked with a pencil is the same as being shot with a gun, Disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes gets last-minute reprieve from reporting to prison after she files appeal, Argument over rap lyrics, DNA could lead to new trial for Tory Lanez: Lawyer, White Lives Matter protestor who allegedly tried to firebomb a church over drag event hit with hate crime charge. 10:05 EDT 26 Apr 2022 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. Vanessa Bechtel, president and CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation, sharedinformation about the new foundation started in the brothers' honor, the Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation. One boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The second boy was taken to a local hospital where he died a few hours later, the sheriff's office said. As the tragedys first anniversary drew near, the boys school, Ascension Lutheran in Thousand Oaks, planned to hold special prayers, but Nancy Iskander said the day will be like any other. pg.acq.push(function() { (Source: NBC News). pic.twitter.com/SlLiwtFiRt. Even as media coverage dwindles, we will be watching, waiting, and praying that Rebecca Grossman is prosecuted appropriately for her heinous crime," the petition concludes. Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and general assignment reporterfor the Ventura County Star. "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. The judge pointed out vehicle data which said Grossman had reached 81 mph about a second and a half before the crash. A civil suit filed in January 2021 against Grossman, 58, and Erickson, 53and a second one naming the state of California, its Department of Transportation, Los Angeles County, and the City of Westlake Village for unsafe crosswalk construction are also working their way through the courts. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ 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. Thomas, Hill and Woolsey Wildfire Recovery Funds, Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP), Act Now: Matching Dollars Available for COVID-19 Relief Funds. She believes the Hidden Hills socialitewife of Grossman Burn Center medical director Dr. Peter Grossmanwas taken to the hospital to have her blood drawn but they have not been told the results of the test. 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. Support for the Iskander Family - GoFundMe eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. If you sign this petition and feel compelled to do more, you may also write an e-mail directly to the District Attorneys office here: https://da.lacounty.gov/contact/email. }); He died at the scene. Speculative and unsourced reporting only serves to further sensationalize and deepen the pain and loss caused by this tragic accident. Grossman's bail was set at $2 million and she's due in court Oct. 21. Jacob and Marks motherNancy Iskandertestified to walking with three of her sons at the crosswalk. 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. Update: The Iskander family has been overwhelmed by all the love and support they have received from everyone. Mark (11) and Jacob (8) Iskander were tragically killed in an auto accident by an "alleged" drunk driver in September, 2020. }); Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, were killed in September when Rebecca Grossman allegedly struck them with her car and drove away while driving drunk. 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. We know they are not suffering. Buzbee said that the city engineer had determined that the crossing was on a blind curve, but still the city did not take action. 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. Who is Rebecca Grossman? Rebecca Grossman Blames Intersection for Brothers' Deaths Everything to Know About Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Shooting Charges, and What Happens Next? Grossman hit the boys at 71.7 mph, sheriffs deputyRobert Apodacacalculated. In the four-child family, two siblings were left without their older brothers, who were struck and killed by a car said to be speeding through a Westlake Village crosswalk, and two parents were left with the unimaginable pain that only a parent who loses a child can experience. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of The Iskanders, originally from Egypt, are Coptic Christians. Nancy Iskander said she arrived at the crosswalk where Saddle Mountain Drive meets Triunfo with her three boys in tow. 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. Children without family to take care of them are left with no choice but to live in orphanages. Grossmans attorney, Richard Hutton, would not answer questions for this story but did provide the Acorn with a statement: The facts revealed from the critical accident investigation conducted over the last year in this case show that the devastating loss of the lives of Jacob and Mark Iskander was as a result of a tragic car accident near a dangerous and unlit crosswalk at night in Westlake Village, and not as a result of any intentional or criminal act. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. I fear someone will get hurt or killed, one email allegedly read. "How was it sitting in there and then learning you have a preliminary hearing to get things moving?" The boys' deaths prompted an. eventAction: 'click_adunit' The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation, administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation (which oversaw the Borderline fund), provides support to underserved children. Brothers Mark Iskander, Jacob Iskander killed by drunk driver We expect that the evidence in court will show there is insufficient justification for murder charges in this case. It's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs. on The driver, Rebecca Grossman, 58, of Hidden Hills, has been charged with second degree murder and currently awaits trial in Los Angeles County. 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"This is a devastating loss for our community," State Senator Henry Stern tweeted. [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. | The boys' mother, Nancy Iskander was also seen wearing one of the T-shirts as she thanked the protesters for their support. The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities. With the sun lowering in the distance, the Iskander family lifted the cover off the boxes and two dozen doves flew into the air, disappearing into the sunset. Their vibrancy was recognized by everyone they met, their warmth felt in every place they entered, and their memory inspires all those who carry them in their heart. }); There were mere centimeters between the first cars wheel and her youngest son, she said. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), He stands tall, he speaks with confidence. Nancy Iskander testifies in Rebecca Grossman Westlake crash hearing In September 2020, Rebecca Grossman ran over two boys Mark and Jacob Iskander with her Mercedes in West Lake, California. It was not unusual for the boys to go on evening walks with their father, Karim Iskander said, but they usually stayed within the confines of their neighborhood south of Westlake Lake. "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. 'We can't keep continuing this. Grossman is charged with murdering Jacob and Mark in Westlake Village. At a hearing in March, Judge Shellie Samuels apologized to the victims' patents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, for the many continuances and postponement in the case, the most recent of which was Grossman's need to look for and hire a new lawyer after her previous attorney fell ill. 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. She did not come back. She faces a maximum 34 years in prison. Vigil honors Iskander brothers on 2nd anniversary of fatal - MSN Since the boys were killed a year and a half ago, Grossman has been free on bail, free to do whatever she wants, while the boys' parents are living a nightmare." ga('ads.send', { A preliminary hearing scheduled for this month was pushed to December. Grossman Burn Foundation co-founder charged with - RochesterFirst , updated In loving memory, their family would like to start a children's orphanage in Egypt. DEATH BY MERCEDES? LA socialite, allegedly mows down brothers, ages 11 Two brothers were killed when they were hit by a car, in Westlake Village, Calif., Sept. 29, 2020. 'Justice for Mark and Jacob Iskander' and 'Put Rebecca Grossman behind bars' are two Change.org petitions with 18,734 and 32,374 signatures, respectively. The Mark & Jacob Iskander Orphanage will be a place of refuge and hope for children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves.This project needs your critical support to meet its fundraising goals. I dont know how far, maybe 100 yards at least. Erickson, who reportedly drove past the family before Grossman struck the boys, has been charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. A sheriffs deputy testified that mark was thrown 254 feet. Mark died at the scene and Jacob a few hours later in the hospital. Rebecca Grossman, 58, was behind the wheel of an SUV during the incident on Sept. 29, 2020, and though her defense maintains it was a tragic traffic accident, JudgeShellie Samuels said there is evidence of a hit-and-run, according to The Los Angeles Times. The family is suffering. Grossman allegedly kept driving after striking the children, only stopping a quarter-mile away because her engine cut off, authorities have said. At a hearing last December, the judge also said that the victims' parents, have been enduring 'torture and heartbreak' while the case drags on. }); 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. MARK & JACOB The Mark & Jacob Foundation Mark and Jacob are missed each and every day, but the tremendous pain of their absence is being used for a greater purpose. . Even as media coverage dwindles, we will be watching, waiting, and praying that Rebecca Grossman is prosecuted appropriately for her heinous crime. He wasnt driving recklessly. 'Since the boys were killed a year and a half ago, Grossman has been free on bail, free to do whatever she wants, while the boys' parents are living a nightmare.'. Mothers and homemakers were spotted wearing T-shirts with a picture of the young victims, Jacob, 9, and Mark Iskander, 11, as they protested outside the courtroom in Van Nuys on March 16. Nobody stopped," Iskander, the mother of 8-year-old Jacob and 11-year-old Mark, said at the hearing. It wasn't the first time that Judge Samuels has expressed sorrow over the many holdups in the case against Grossman.