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.. She managed to take her 5-year-old son to safety after hearing engine roars and two SUVs driving toward them, but she found her older sons almost dead. 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. The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities. He died at the scene. Royce Clayton, an acquaintance of Grossman's who was with her at Julio's Agave Grill in Westlake Village immediately prior to the crash, testified next. Breaking crime and justice news on 'Crime Stories with Nancy Grace' The Iskander family filed a lawsuit against the state of California, L.A. County and Westlake Village in August 2021, The Acorn reported, alleging that the intersection where the boys was killed was dangerously defective and acted as a trap for pedestrians. "It was the pandemic. 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. "The children were walking with their family. More information is available at markandjacobfoundation.org. According to her lawyer, previous reports about the incident have been inaccurate. }); 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. Support for the Iskander Family - GoFundMe We pray daily for the family, their loved ones, and the community. Iskander said she waited for the road to clear before they began crossing. The six members of the Iskander family were walking in a crosswalk when the parents heard racing vehicles. Our thoughts are with the family and community of Mark and Jacob Iskander . eventAction: 'click_adunit' 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. Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. A sign shows an image of Mark Iskander, 11, left, and his brother Jacob Iskander, 8, outside of Van Nuys Courthouse were a preliminary hearing was held for Rebecca Grossman who is charged with . Rebecca Grossman in a 2014 video. She apologized to the Iskander family saying, "I'm sorry but my hands are tied." It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney. Rebecca's car struck the two boysMark died at the scene and Jacob died in hospital several hours later. The 57-year-old was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for running over the kids aged 11 and 9. 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! There is a lot of hate and anger out there, Grossman told Los Angeles Magazine in November. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Iskander recalledthe night began as a regular family outing in their community. The suspected driver, Rebecca Grossman, was located at or near the crash site, according to the sheriff's office. Parents Shattered After Speeding Car Driven by A Socialite Killed Their 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.. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { Send A Holiday Card To The Iskander Family | Agoura Hills, CA Patch 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,. She has not been actually charged with DUI. 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. The next pretrial hearing for Grossman is scheduled for March 6 and, if there are no further delays, the trial could start as early as April, according to the Ventura County Star. In front of horrified parents, 11-year-old Mark and 9-year-old Jacob Iskander were struck and killed on the highway. 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. Rebecca Grossman is charged with murder in the deaths of Jacob Iskander, 8, and Mark Iskander, 11, who were killed on Sept. 29, 2020, while crossing a street in their Westlake Village neighborhood. 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. Prosecutors claim Grossman hit both boys and traveled more than 100 feet with one of them on the hood of her car before she applied the brakes and the child fell off. 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 . By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. 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. 6 Injured In Downtown Los Angeles Stabbing: Police, LA County Library: Celebrate Csar Chvez, UCLA: UCLA Health Receives $25.3 Million For Street Medicine Program Caring For Homeless. The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation celebrates the extraordinary lives of Mark and Jacob Iskander by continuing their mission of love and light. I was very proud of them," Karim said. When will the Beast from the East be at YOUR door? 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Mark and Jacob Iskander's funeral - YouTube California socialite Rebecca Grossman ordered to stand trial in alleged } "I pray for every mom who's lost a son," she said, according to the Star. A Southern California community is mourning two brothers, ages 11 and 9, after they were struck and killed by a driver in suburban Los Angeles County, according to authorities. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! pg.acq.push(function() { The family of six left their home in theThree Springs neighborhood and went southon Triunfo Canyon Road, she recounted on the stand in the Van Nuys courthouse. "Two young boys with an entire lifetime ahead of them.". Rebecca Grossman Net Worth - Famous People Today Rebecca Grossmans lawyers now allege the citys failure to make the intersection safer is the primary reason for the boys deaths, according to. },false) '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. Investigators said street racing may have been involved in the crash, which happened at the intersection of Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive, The Iskander brothers had been walking across a crosswalk with their parents and two siblings, Zackary and Violet, when they were struck, The brothers are pictured in this undated school photos. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs. According to FR24 News, the boys parents, Karim and Nancy Iskander, were walking with their four children at the time of the crash. 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. Marks and Jacobs family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime. There is a lot of hate and anger out there, Grossman told, 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. Samuels said it was "unfair" on the Iskander family for the case to go on for more than a year and had sympathized with them for their suffering. Her husband, Karim Iskander, went ahead on a jog, carrying their youngest child, Violet. 'Drunk socialite, 57, killed boys in front of their parents - then However, insurers determined Grossman and Hammer were both equally responsible for the accident but she then filed a suit for personal injury despite telling police at the accident scene that she wasn't hurt. "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. 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.. Grossman is headed back to court on January 7 and Samuels said, "I want you and your new attorney here." Grossman has pleaded not guilty. JUSTICE FOR MARK AND JACOB ISKANDER | Facebook 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. 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. Mark and Jacob Iskander, 11 and 8, were with their family Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, when they were struck and killed in Westlake Village in a Mercedes driven by Rebecca Grossman, the. Grossman entered the Van Nuys courtroom Monday, being charged with two counts of murder and two counts of vehicular manslaughter. AGOURA HILLS, CA This holiday season, add the Iskander family to your holiday card recipient list. The boys aspired to greatness, not for themselves, but to glorify God and help the world around them. 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. "This is the Iskanders third holiday season without Mark and Jacob. Not so shipshape! The crash occurred the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, along Triunfo Canyon Roadat the intersection with Saddle Mountain Drive in Westlake Village. That night, due to the darkness, lack of lighting, and the color of clothing [Jacob and Mark Iskander] were wearing, my client never saw those little boys.. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. These victims lost two children. Buzbee said that the city engineer had determined the crossing was on a blind curve, but told Law and Crime the city took no action. Nonprofit Founder Charged with Murder After Allegedly - Peoplemag Hearing Held For Socialite Accused Of Killing Two Boys, 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, has pleaded not guilty to felony murder, vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run driving in the Sept. 29, 2020 deaths of Jacob Iskander, 8, and his brother Mark Iskander, 11, according to previous, 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. It's GRAYGATE! In September 2020, Rebecca Grossman ran over two boys Mark and Jacob Iskander with her Mercedes in West Lake, California. Sign up to receive news and updates about all of the good that your support makes possible! 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. 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. The Iskander family filed a lawsuit against the state of California, L.A. County and Westlake Village in August 2021. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category . We are now confident that the facts of this tragic accident will soon be revealed to help bring closure and healing to all shattered by an . Infectious Liver Disease treatment near Staten Island, NY She ordered the socialite to find someone who would to be prepared for a preliminary trial "no later than March" 2022. The rate of vehicle traffic, as well as pedestrian traffic, combined with the high speed limit were of such a nature that the crosswalk should have not existed without traffic device enhancements to provide warning of pedestrians using the intersection.. hitType: 'event', Representatives for the city of Westlake Village did not immediately respond to Law&Crimes request for comment. 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. Of course, that action was too little, too late.. Emailus. 'It's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs', Protestors say Grossman is being given preferential treatment by the legal system due to her wealth and connections, '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.'. 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. 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. The Mercedes that struck and killed two brothers. After Monday's hearing, Grossman, left court hand in hand with her husband. He stands tall, he speaks with confidence. Nancy Iskander testifies in Rebecca Grossman Westlake crash hearing Jacob and Zachary were holed up all day and wanted to get some fresh air," the mother of four said. We are one of the worlds fastest growing [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 video of the tragic incident is in possession of authorities and investigators had noted alcohol and street racing could've been contributing factors leading to the incident. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ 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. Suspect in L.A. On the evening of September 29, Mark and Jacob Iskander of Westlake Village lost their lives at the hand of a suspected DUI driver while crossing a crosswalk south of Westlake lake. 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. Jacob loved running track because it allowed him to showcase his speed, his strength, and his sportsmanship. }); Iskander ended her testimony by saying the whole incident was a hit-and-run. Grossman admitted to responding officers that she had a margarita about two hours before the collision, as seen in officers body-worn camera footage played at Aprils preliminary hearing. Rebecca Grossman Blames Intersection for Brothers' Deaths The JUSTICE FOR MARK AND JACAOB ISKANDER GROUP is for all our neighbors to share their love and support for the Iskander family. If you had the great joy of enjoying a conversation with Mark, there was likely mention of reptiles or ice hockey -- two passions he championed proudly. 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. let gads_event; ga('ads.send', { "Did anyone come back to the scene indicating they were the drivers of those cars?" Rebecca Grossman Blames Road For Jacob, Mark Iskander Deaths | Crime News ga('ads.send', { On September 14, Samuels blasted Grossman for not showing up at her previous five scheduled court appearances, all of which were continued. gads_event = event; Several witnesses will testify this morning with a decision expected later today. Grossman was driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV. 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. Authorities investigating the crash in 2020. Mark, age 11, was gifted in math and science. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. They probably dont know exactly what happened. MARK & JACOB The Mark & Jacob Foundation A sheriffs deputy testified that mark was thrown 254 feet. 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.. 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. When she turned, she saw Jacob lying in the roadway "as if he was sleeping," but Mark was nowhere to be found. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. Mark and Jacob Iskander. Two petitions, claiming to have a combined total of more than 50,000 signatures, have been circulating, calling for Grossman to be locked up. 'Justice must be served, regardless of Grossman's financial means, status, privilege and connections,' declared one. There will be tables at the vigil to leave notes/cards for the family, a donation box for the Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation, and 6-foot pictures of Mark and Jacob around the park. 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. 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. 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. Prince Harry says Meghan was 'from a different world' and she 'helped draw me out' of Royal life as he 'Once you sign up, you do what you're told': Duke of Sussex tells trauma expert Gabor Mat 'a lot of us' in Do not sell or share my personal information. 'I heard the engines from two SUVs coming at us at insane speeds,' Iskander said. Grossman is the wife of Dr. Peter Grossman, a plastic surgeon, and the daughter-in-law of Dr. A. Richard Grossman, who founded the Grossman Burn Centers in Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Kansas City, Missouri. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Investigators say alcohol and street racing may have played a part in the collision. 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She was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and DUI after her front-end-damaged car broke down a quarter mile from the crash site. ", "They were truly, truly awesome kids. Grossman is the co-founder and head of the Grossman Burn Foundation and is a well-known socialite in Los Angeles. I learned from them more. Rebecca Grossman continues to mourn the loss of these two children who were lost in this tragic accident, Buzbee stated. eventAction: 'view' The young boys were hit at about 7:10 p.m. at the intersection of Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive by 57-year-old Rebecca Grossman. After allegedly hitting the Iskander brothers, witnesses said Grossman fled the scene before the vehicle stalled about a quarter-mile away. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), }) 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. Justice must be served, regardless of Grossmans financial means, status, privilege, and connections.". She then allegedly ran over that boy and continued to drive for another quarter mile before she, told police, her car engine cut off..