A jury has begun deliberating on how much financial compensation, if any, should be awarded to the family of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander, more than five years after the brothers were struck and killed in a Westlake Village crosswalk. The family is seeking $439 million in damages from Rebecca Grossman, who was convicted of second-degree murder in 2024, and former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, whom the family alleges was drinking with Grossman and street racing with her on the night of the crash.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The jury began deliberations after closing arguments on Monday. The Iskander family’s attorney, Brian Panish, argued that Grossman and Erickson were speeding and impaired when Grossman’s vehicle struck the boys. Prosecutors said the pair were traveling at speeds up to 80 mph before the crash. Erickson’s attorney, Jeff Braun, countered that Erickson was not impaired or racing and did not hit the children. Grossman’s attorney, Esther Holm, argued that the crash was caused by a hazardous crosswalk design, not Grossman’s actions.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
The Crash and Legal Background
Grossman and Erickson were driving separately on Triunfo Canyon Road in Westlake Village when the boys crossed the street with their mother and siblings. Witnesses testified that the pair had been drinking margaritas before the incident. Grossman was convicted of second-degree murder in February 2024, while Erickson has not faced criminal charges.
The Defense’s Arguments
Holm argued that the city was aware of the dangerous crosswalk design but failed to address it. Panish countered that 24 million vehicles had passed through the crosswalk without incident, dismissing the defense’s claims. Braun emphasized that no expert testified that Erickson was impaired.
The Family’s Case
Panish described Erickson as a pathological liar who attempted to evade responsibility by hiding in the bushes, lying to police, and switching vehicles. He argued that the defendants acted with reckless disregard for safety, calling the crash a preventable tragedy.
Long-Term Implications
The case has drawn attention to issues of street racing, impaired driving, and crosswalk safety. The verdict could set a precedent for future civil cases involving high-profile defendants and fatal accidents.