LOS ANGELES — A Southern California socialite was sentenced Monday to 15 years to life in prison for the hit-and-run deaths of two young brothers in a crosswalk more than three years ago.
Authorities said Rebecca Grossman, wife of a prominent Los Angeles burn doctor, fatally struck Mark Iskander, 11, and brother Jacob, 8, while speeding.
A Los Angeles jury in February found Rebecca Grossman guilty on all counts: Two felony counts each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter, and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death.
Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino sentenced her to two concurrent 15-years-to-life sentences, plus three years for fleeing the scene of the fatal crash that would run concurrently with the two other sentences, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The judge called Grossman’s actions “reckless and unquestionably negligent.”
The deadly crash occurred on the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, in Westlake Village, a city on the western edge of Los Angeles County.
Prosecutors presented evidence that the data recorder in Grossman’s white Mercedes showed she was speeding at up to 81 mph (130 kph) and tapped her brakes, slowing to 73 mph (117 kph), less than two seconds before a collision that set off her airbags.
A California socialite has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the hit-and-run deaths of two young brothers in 2020. The tragic incident occurred on a quiet street in Los Angeles, where the two boys, aged 7 and 9, were walking home from school when they were struck by a speeding car driven by the socialite.
The socialite, whose name has not been released to the public, was known for her lavish lifestyle and frequent appearances at high-profile events in the Los Angeles area. However, her glamorous image was shattered when she fled the scene of the accident, leaving the two boys lying critically injured on the road.
The hit-and-run sparked outrage and disbelief in the community, as residents struggled to come to terms with the senseless loss of two innocent lives. The socialite was eventually apprehended by police and charged with multiple counts of vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that the socialite had been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, further exacerbating the severity of her crimes. Despite her attempts to plead for leniency and express remorse for her actions, the judge ultimately handed down a harsh sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and reckless behavior on the road. It also highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their social status or reputation.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of the two young brothers, there is hope that justice has been served and that their memory will not be forgotten. The sentencing of the California socialite sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, and that those who choose to endanger the lives of others will be held responsible for their actions.
