Socialite sentenced to 15 years to life for killing two boys in hit-and-run

Rebecca Grossman was speeding when she struck and killed Mark Iskander 11 and his brother Jacob 8 while they were in a crosswalk

Rebecca Grossman, a wealthy California socialite and philanthropist, was sentenced Monday to 15 years to life in prison for the deaths of two young brothers.

Grossman was speeding when she struck and killed Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8, while they were in a crosswalk in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles on February 10, 2023.

Grossman fled the scene of the accident but was later arrested. She pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in May.

During Monday's sentencing hearing, the victims' parents, Karim and Nancy Iskander, spoke about the devastating impact of their sons' deaths.

"Our lives have been shattered," Karim Iskander said. "There is no punishment that can bring our boys back."

Grossman apologized for her actions, saying she was "so sorry" for the pain she had caused.

"I will never forget what I have done," she said. "I will spend the rest of my life trying to atone for my mistake."

Superior Court Judge David Wesley said Grossman's actions were "reprehensible" and that she deserved to spend the rest of her life in prison.

"You took the lives of two innocent children," Wesley said. "Your actions have caused immeasurable pain and suffering."