The young kids were walking with their parents and two siblings. "Two counts of murder will take a while to get to a preliminary hearing but not this long," Samuels said before urging Grossman to find a new attorney who will treat the case as "priority". The vigil program will have speakers which include Nancy Iskander, Ascension Lutheran Church and School, Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church, Ventura County . 'I realized something happened to Mark and Jacob.'. "This is the Iskanders third holiday season without Mark and Jacob. A Los Angeles socialite is facing two counts of vehicular manslaughter for allegedly killing two young brothers with her car Tuesday night while allegedly driving drunk. A sheriffs deputy testified that mark was thrown 254 feet. In loving memory, their family would like to start a children's orphanage in Egypt. Representatives for the city of Westlake Village did not immediately respond to Law&Crimes request for comment. [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. 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. 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. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. The boys' mother broke down in tears on the stand as she testified that on the day of the crash, she was walking with the two boys as well as their 5-year-old brother in the crosswalk when she heard loud engines and suddenly saw two SUVs hurtling toward them. Grossmans lawyer, Tony Buzbee, claims that the primary cause of the crash wasn't his clients allegedly unsafe driving, but a dangerous pedestrian crosswalk. 'I heard a really loud noise, I looked back and I either felt or saw the other car speeding also,' Iskander said. }); In September 2020, Rebecca Grossman ran over two boys Mark and Jacob Iskander with her Mercedes in West Lake, California. },false) Jacob loved running track because it allowed him to showcase his speed, his strength, and his sportsmanship. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, If Grossman didn't have money and connections, she would have been in custody all this time instead of free on bailIt's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs. Erickson, who reportedly drove past the family before Grossman struck the boys, has been charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. He was eventually located up the roadway, his skateboard broken and his shoes off his feet. The "Community Vigil for Mark and Jacob Iskander" is set for Thurs., Sept. 29 at the park at 3000 Three Springs Drive. Traveling over the posted speed limit is simply not murder, no matter how the DA attempts to twist the facts for his own purposes.. 'We can't keep continuing this. 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. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! Rebecca Grossman continues to mourn the loss of these two children who were lost in this tragic accident, Buzbee stated. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in prison. Nancy Iskander, the boys' mother, narrowly saved one of her younger children, who was riding a scooter, as well as her youngest child, who was in a baby stroller, but couldnt grab Jacob or Mark in time. '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. Sign up to receive news and updates about all of the good that your support makes possible! } Thats just not true.. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Of course, that action was too little, too late.. ", Photo: Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church of Ventura County, 2 Young Brothers Killed in Front of Parents by Car, and Socialite Driver Is Charged with DUI, L.A. Sheriff's Deputy Charged with Murder in Fatal Crash that Killed 12-Year-Old Boy, Minnesota Mom Convicted of Murdering Her 6-Year-Old Son After Going to Gun Range for Shooting Practice, Calif. Man Arrested After Allegedly Crashing into Church Van, Killing 3 Coming from Bible Study, Woman Allegedly Used Social Media to Find and Kill Doppelgnger So She Could Fake Her Own Death. He was devoted to both learning and memorizing the word of God, and he spread it to everyone he met through his actions and infectious smile. Law enforcement had testified that Grossman was calculated to have been driving at 71.7 miles per hour when she hit the boys. 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. } According to several local reports, including those from CBS Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee . if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ 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. 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,. They managed to pull two of their children to safety but Jacob and Mark Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. A Change.org petition was started after the Iskander boys' deaths, demanding for Grossman to be "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.". The suspected driver, Rebecca Grossman, was located at or near the crash site, according to the sheriff's office. Investigators say alcohol and street racing may have played a part in the collision. 57, struck and killed nine year-old Jacob Iskander . hitType: 'event', We are excited about keeping you updated! Our thoughts are with the family and community of Mark and Jacob Iskander . Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW, PETER HITCHENS: Now we know for sure that our leaders lost their heads over Covid. Samuels will then decide if Grossman should be ordered to stand trial or not. Placards were left outside the courtroom in Van Nuys, California, during the hearing inside, 'These continual delays are awful for the family,' said Iskander neighbor Julie Cohen. Coming back to the recent case, judge Shellie Samuels said "Its been a year and two months since it happened," Samuels said. Iskander said she grabbed Zachary and threw him toward the curb before jumping out of the way herself. Man Arrested for Allegedly Running Over and Killing Pastor Delivering Toys to Shelter for Christmas, Cousin of Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Dies from Cardiac Arrest After Being Tased by Los Angeles Police, Nurse Charged with 6 Counts of Murder in L.A. }); Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Book an appointment today! 'I heard the engines from two SUVs coming at us at insane speeds,' Iskander said. There was inadequate and unsafe sight lines and sight distances for drivers traveling through the intersection (which) lacks traffic control or warning devices necessary to prevent the intersection from being a concealed trap for pedestrians, the suit against the city stated, according to the Acorn. Nancy Iskander has relived the night her two children died in front of her more times than she can remember. 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 . The rest of the six-member family escaped injury. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), It's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs.'. asked Ryan Gould, the prosecutor in the case. 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. Date Set For Agoura Great Race, Registration Open, New Brush Clearance Expectations Set For Agoura Hills Homeowners, Modernization Projects, TK Expansion Planned For Agoura Hills Schools. They had been walking with their familyparents Nancy and Karim, younger brother Zachary, and baby sister Violetwhen Rebecca's and another person's vehicles approached the marked crosswalk. Investigators had cordoned off a crosswalk with crime scene tape, and a scooter and a set of roller blades were seen nearby the crash location after the collision. 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.. Jacob Iskander would have turned 11 on this coming Friday, his mother Nancy Iskander told the Ventura County Star after Tuesday's hearing. Donations can also be made to The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation online, which has already built an orphanage in Egypt and supports local foster children and students. "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 57-year-old was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for running over the kids aged 11 and 9. 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. Grossman entered the Van Nuys courtroom Monday, being charged with two counts of murder and two counts of vehicular manslaughter. 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. 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. We are deeply devastated by the heartbreaking loss of Mark and Jacob Iskander. She then allegedly ran over that boy and continued to drive for another quarter mile before she, told police, her car engine cut off.. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. 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 Oxygen.com reporting. The Mercedes that struck and killed two brothers. REMEMBERING TWO YOUNG BROTHERS: 9 yo Jacob & 11 yo Mark Iskander hit & killed crossing a street in Westlake Village with their family. Buzbee said the prosecution overcharged his client in an attempt to twist his clients arm into pleading out. Inside LA millionaire's wealth as son, 17, is charged in Monique Munoz's death. According to the Los Angeles Times, however, the BAC (blood alcohol content) tests were administered 90 minutes after the crash. }); Buzbee said that the city engineer had determined that the crossing was on a blind curve, but still the city did not take action. Her husband, Karim Iskander, went ahead on a jog, carrying their youngest child, Violet. Loved ones are asking residents to send holiday cards to the family of Mark and Jacob Iskander, two young brothers who were fatally struck by a car in Westlake Village in 2020. Grossman, 58, prior to being named a suspect in the Iskanders' case was also allegedly involved in another speeding accident. They are entitled to that." }); Loved ones are asking residents to send holiday cards to the family of Mark and Jacob Iskander, two young brothers who were fatally struck by a car in Westlake Village in 2020.Mark was 11 and Jacob 8. The 57-year-old was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for running over the kids aged 11 and 9. Justice for Mark and Jacob Iskander.'. WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Dozens gathered in Westlake Village Wednesday evening to remember two brothers, ages 9 and 11, killed in a horrific car crash that may have involved drinking and street racing. The brothers were identified by a local newspaper, The Acorn, as 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 9-year-old Jacob Iskander. Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. Grossman was driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV. ga('ads.send', { 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. As per the family's wishes, all contributions will be donated to a charity of their choosing in honor of Mark and Jacob. 'I do apologize for the delays.'. More information is available at. 'These continual delays are awful for the family. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Authorities investigating the crash in 2020. Thank you! According to FR24 News, the boys parents, Karim and Nancy Iskander, were walking with their four children at the time of the crash. Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church of Ventura County Mark and Jacob Iskander. hitType: 'event', 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 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. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! He died at the scene. Iskander said she waited for the road to clear before they began crossing. According to several local reports, including those from CBS Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee, and KNBC, Rebecca Grossman, 57, is The second boy was taken to a local hospital where he died a few hours later, the sheriff's office said. The January appearance will allow Grossman's defense to prepare for two months before a preliminary hearing where prosecution will present evidence in court. The boys aspired to greatness, not for themselves, but to glorify God and help the world around them. He had a strong personality, strong muscles and strong faith. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category . Iskander was horrified to find Jacob lying in the roadway 'as if he was sleeping,' and her other son Mark had been on the hood of Grossman's vehicle, which kept going after the crash. With her husband, prominent plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman, 59, Grossman is the founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation and ex-publisher of Westlake Magazine. 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. This is a serious case. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Who is James Khuri? I learned from them more. "Our community love and support, along with their tremendous faith, is whats helping their family get through this very difficult time," Cohen said in a Facebook post. Buzbee emphasized that Grossman was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which was suspected in early reports. }); She added, "They need to hear the evidence. He can be reached by calling805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com. The sheriff's department said they arrested 57-year-old Rebecca Grossman for vehicular manslaughter and DUI. Salvador Becerra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), ", "They were truly, truly awesome kids. EXCLUSIVE: LA socialite Rebecca Grossman FINALLY makes court Charles 'will NEVER build real relationship with Archie and Lili unless Harry and Meghan get new royal A 14-year-old autistic boy's naive prank. if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ Once her testimony finished, Iskander was cross-examined by Grossman's attorney Alan Eisner. The socialite is currently charged with two counts of murder and faces a maximum sentence of 34 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { They probably dont know exactly what happened. 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 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. Forover an hour, Eisner asked Iskander about whether she saw her children hit by Grossman's car, as well as how far apart they were after she jumped out of the way from the black SUV, though Iskander mostly said she did not remember. Rebecca Grossman stands accused of street racing at speeds up to 81 mph just before she plowed through a residential crosswalk, killing Mark and Jacob Iskander. Mark Iskander, 11, (left) died at the scene while his nine-year-old brother, Jacob (right), died in hospital a few hours later +10 DailyMail.com has learned Grossman was also involved in an accident in 2012 during which the other driver claimed she ran a red light while driving 65mph in a 40mph zone and plowed into the back of his car. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. The mother and father were able to pull the other two children back in time, and the vehicle struck the two other children," Capt Salvador Becerra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said at the time to ABC confirming Mark had died on scene while Jacob died at the hospital. Grossman is expected back in court in August, according to NBC Los Angeles, with her trial slated to begin in September. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. 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. After the first car passed, the second vehicle, a white Mercedes GLE 43, drove through the crosswalk. Instead, she was cooperative and police with the investigating officers.. Grossman is a a co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation anddaughter-in-law of Dr. A. Richard Grossman, founder of the Grossman Burn Centers, which treat burn victims at three facilities in Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Kansas City, Missouri. 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 hearing for thecase. 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 . The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation online. The hearing was continued to Tuesday morning with at least a half-dozen more witnesses expected to testify. Rebecca Grossman, 59, 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 Oxygen.com reporting. Socialite ran over Iskander kids in 2020. "All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most their parents. Suspect in L.A. 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. Karim and Nancy Iskander parents of Mark and Jacob Iskander leave Los Angeles Superior Court Monday after a hearing for Rebecca Grossman, who is accused of killing their two children as they were crossing the street in Westlake Village. Come Celebrate Women! It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. Everything to Know About Alec Baldwin's 'Rust' Shooting Charges, and What Happens Next? Brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander, 11 and 8, were walking with their parents and siblings in Westlake Village, California, in September 2020 when they were struck and killed. 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. If you could add them to your holiday card list, it would mean so much to them," said Julie Cohen, a family friend and advocate. 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. A heartbroken mother wept on the stand as she tearfully described how she desperately tried to wave down Rebecca Grossman just seconds before thesocialite ran over her two sons with her Mercedes during an alleged street race. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { One boy died at the scene, and the other died at the hospital. The brothers were identified by a local newspaper, The Acorn, as 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 9-year-old Jacob Iskander. "I still see it every night. She was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and DUI after her front-end-damaged car broke down a quarter mile from the crash site. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. All rights reserved. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Senator Henry Stern tweeted. (Source: NBC News) Our Freedom of Information Act requests have 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, Buzbee said in a statement to Law and Crime. Buzbee noted that the Iskander family have sued the City of Westlake and the State of California, alleging that the crossing was a substantial factor in the deaths of their sons. Jeffrey Hammer had claimed that Grossman ran a red light while driving 65 miles in a 40 mile per hour zone and landed into the back of his car, according to a Daily Mail article. 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. She ledwith Zachary by her side as Jacob and Mark followed a half-step behind her. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The founder of a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization has been charged with the murder of two school-aged boys in a hit-and-run in September. RELATED:Electrocution Deaths Of Wisconsin Couple Linked To Dangerous Viral Art TikTok Trend. These victims lost two children. eventAction: 'load' She accused of running over and killing two young brothers while they were in the crosswalk at a Westlake Village intersection in September 2020. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs. 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. Have a tip we should know? Rebecca Grossman, 59, 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. Her husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, is also a plastic surgeon. Cohen, a neighbor of the Iskander family in Westlake Village, added, 'If Grossman didn't have money and connections, she would have been in custody all this time instead of free on bail. ga('ads.send', { 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. All six of them were walking across a crosswalk at a. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. pg.acq.push(function() { The Grossman Burn Foundation is the "philanthropic arm" of the Grossman Burn Centers, which were founded by Rebecca Grossman's father-in-law, according to the website. Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, arrives at Van Nuys Courthouse for her preliminary hearing. The parents were at there at the time, according to the sheriff's office. On Sept. 29, 2020, Grossman was allegedly street-racing with former MLB pitcher Scott Erickson when she struck the boys before fleeing the scene. The family is suffering. Jacob was a great friend to all who were blessed enough to call him a pal. "The victims family needs this case to go forward." The park carries special meaning for the Iskander family because it was the boys' neighborhood playground. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { She is out of jail on a $2 million bond, according to jail records. Justice must be served, regardless of Grossmans financial means, status, privilege, and connections.". Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Rebecca Grossman's lawyers are now claiming that the city of Westlake Village is responsible for the alleged hit-and-run deaths of Jacob and Mark Iskander for which their client has been charged. It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney. Grossman was allegedly street-racing with Erickson; witnesses say she tailed Ericksons SUV just before he swerved to avoid hitting the Iskanders, leaving no time for Grossman to stop. }); More information is available at markandjacobfoundation.org. In September 2020, Rebecca Grossman ran over two boys Mark and Jacob Iskander with her Mercedes in West Lake, California. Have a tip or story idea? ABC News could not immediately reach the Grossman Burn Center for comment. Several witnesses will testify this morning with a decision expected later today. It is ironic that the Iskander family not only sued the City of Westlake, but also sued the state of California for their sons deaths the same entity that now is attempting to prosecute Mrs. Grossman, Buzbees statement to Law and Crime said. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more.