A jury has awarded $176 million in damages to the family of two boys killed in a 2020 hit-and-run crash in Westlake Village, California. The verdict found Rebecca Grossman, a Los Angeles socialite, and former Major League Baseball player Scott Erickson liable for the deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander. Grossman, who was driving at high speed while intoxicated, was previously convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Erickson, who was racing Grossman in a separate vehicle, was found negligent but did not face criminal charges.
The jury determined that both Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, opening the door for additional punitive damages. The $176 million award includes compensation for the boys' parents, Nancy and Karim Iskander, and their surviving son, Zachary, for emotional distress and loss of companionship. Grossman's husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, was also named as a defendant because he owned the vehicle she was driving.
The crash occurred on September 29, 2020, when Grossman and Erickson were speeding in their Mercedes-Benz SUVs after drinking at a local bar. Witnesses testified that Grossman struck the boys at 73 mph in a 45 mph zone. The jury found that both defendants acted in concert, contributing to the fatal collision. The case highlights the dangers of street racing and impaired driving, with the verdict sending a strong message about accountability.