Buzbee said the prosecution overcharged his client in an attempt to twist his clients arm into pleading out. pg.acq.push(function() { (Photo courtesy of Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church) Authorities said the brothers were hit by a car in front of their parents and siblings as they crossed the street. ga('ads.send', { She ledwith Zachary by her side as Jacob and Mark followed a half-step behind her. Not so shipshape! }); window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Grossman told officers, I was driving, and all of a sudden, my airbag went off, footage showed. The September 29 incident killed 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander, who were in a marked crosswalk in Westlake Village with their parents and siblings when Grossman allegedly slammed into them. 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 probably dont know exactly what happened. The brothers were identified by friends and by the Acorn newspaper as 9-year-old Jacob Iskander and 11-year-old Mark. 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. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. She then allegedly ran over that boy and continued to drive for another quarter mile before she, told police, her car engine cut off.. If you had the great joy of enjoying a conversation with Mark, there was likely mention of reptiles or ice hockey -- two passions he championed proudly. 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.. 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. She told the news outlet she plans to mark the occasion by going out to dinner with her husband and their two surviving children. In loving memory, their family would like to start a children's orphanage in Egypt. 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. eventAction: 'render' "Did anyone come back to the scene indicating they were the drivers of those cars?" window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Learn more about the foundation's orphanage, programs for impoverished youth, and support for foster children. gads_event = event; These victims lost two children. Our sympathies are with all who have been affected.". 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All rights reserved. Mark, age 11, was gifted in math and science. According to the Los Angeles Times, however, the BAC (blood alcohol content) tests were administered 90 minutes after the crash. Please know that along with Rebecca Grossman, we remain heartbroken and grieve deeply for the parents of Mark and Jacob Iskander. Sadly, as is typical for a neglectful government, nine days after the accident in this case, the city finally acted when it allocated $250,000 to install flashing lights at this crossing, Grossmans attorney said. Get your daily crime on! Supporters of the Iskander family were also at the hearing, wearing buttons that read Justice for Mark and Jacob.. The comments below have not been moderated. Iskander said she waved frantically to try to get the drivers' attention before pushing her 5-year-old son out of the way. }) Toxic trauma expert Gabor Mate diagnoses Prince Harry with attention deficit disorder but tells him it CAN 'I felt different to the rest of my family - and my mum felt the same': Prince Harry opens up on his 'broken 'He's completely beige drained of all his feisty ginger life-blood': JULIE BURCHILL'S verdict on Prince Five unexpected signs in your 20s and 30s you're at risk of developing heart disease later in life. The brothers were identified by a local newspaper, The Acorn, as 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 9-year-old Jacob Iskander. Grossman, 57, was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter, the sheriff's department said. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of "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. Those emails allegedly included exhortations to add either a stoplight or flashing lights to the crossing, according to Buzbee. These victims lost two children - it's detrimental to them that this is taking so long." Interactive map reveals when you may see SNOW, PETER HITCHENS: Now we know for sure that our leaders lost their heads over Covid. "I heard the engines from two SUVs coming at us at insane speeds," Iskander said. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Grossman's bail was set at $2 million and she's due in court Oct. 21. Jacob Iskander, 8, and Mark Iskander, 11, were crossing the street at the intersection of Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive around 7:10 p.m. Tuesday when the deadly collision occurred. Marks and Jacobs family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime. He can be reached by calling805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com. We are excited about keeping you updated! Book an appointment today! Grossman was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Sheriffs deputies had previously clocked her speed as exceeding 80 miles per hour just seconds before. 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. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Jacob loved running track because it allowed him to showcase his speed, his strength, and his sportsmanship. 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. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Lawyers for the Los Angeles woman who struck and killed two young brothers in a crosswalk as she was allegedly engaged in a race with another driver says that the citys failure to make the intersection safer is one of the primary causes of the boys deaths. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! 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,. Grossman entered the Van Nuys courtroom Monday, being charged with two counts of murder and two counts of vehicular manslaughter. Oxygen.com has reached out to Buzbee for comment but did not immediately hear back. They want to know what happened. 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. Grossmans lawyer, Tony Buzbee, claims that the primary cause of the crash wasn't his clients allegedly unsafe driving, but a dangerous pedestrian crosswalk. Justice must be served, regardless of Grossmans financial means, status, privilege, and connections.". According to its website, the Grossman Burn Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Grossman Burn Centers Inc, which treats the victims of severe burns all over the world. Erickson, who reportedly drove past the family before Grossman struck the boys, has been charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. 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. That $2 million bail, plus the slow pace of court proceedings including several hearings where Grossman didn't show up have sparked outrage from protesters who believe her wealth and 'connections' have kept her out of jail. Investigators say alcohol and street racing may have played a part in the collision. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. After the first car passed, the second vehicle, a white Mercedes GLE 43, drove through the crosswalk. The vigil program will have speakers which include Nancy Iskander, Ascension Lutheran Church and School, Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church, Ventura County . 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. 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. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Alpine Village in Torrance closes after more than five decades, Gas prices rise for 31st consecutive day in LA County, Carjacking victim comes face to face with suspect during wild chase. After Monday's hearing, Grossman, left court hand in hand with her husband. She had blasted Grossman in September for not showing up to five previously scheduled court appearances after which she ordered her to show up in court on December 1. I fear someone will get hurt or killed, one email allegedly read. Pray for the Iskander family tonight and hold your loved ones close. Two brothers, Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 9, were struck and killed by a drunk driver as they crossed the street in a crosswalk on Tuesday, September 29th in Westlake Village. The suspect was identified as 57-year-old Rebecca Grossman, who has familial ties to the founder of the Grossman Burn Center. "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Senator Henry Stern tweeted. AGOURA HILLS, CA This holiday season, add the Iskander family to your holiday card recipient list. 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. Clayton said he saw Grossman drink a margarita at the restaurant, but he did not join her when she droveto a residenceto watch the 2020 presidential debate. But said neither Grossman's white Mercedes Benz nor Scott Erickson's black SUV stopped. Our family is super excited and invites you to visit the Mark We are ready to welcome children in the newly built Mark and Jacob Iskander Orphanage! Jacob Iskander would have turned 11 on this coming Friday, his mother Nancy Iskander told the Ventura County Star after Tuesday's hearing. } Rebecca Grossman continues to mourn the loss of these two children who were lost in this tragic accident, Buzbee stated. window.adsContainer = {"positionAfterTitle":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position2":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position3":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Below_Next_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position4":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position5":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle1_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position6":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle2_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position7":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle3_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position8":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle4_Rel_Newrev","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position9":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle5_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position10":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle6_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position11":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle7_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position12":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle8_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position13":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle9_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position14":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle10_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position15":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle11_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"position16":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_Middle12_Rel_Newrev","max_width":336,"max_height":280},"positionTop":{"code":"Article_Desktop_970x250_Header_Rel","isOrganicUserAd":false,"max_width":970,"max_height":250},"positionBottom":{"code":"Article_Desktop_Sidebar_Bottom_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":300,"max_height":600},"positionBottomRight":{"code":"Article_Desktop_300x250_After_Title_Rel_Newrev","isOrganicUserAd":true,"max_width":336,"max_height":280}} Copyright 2023 KABC Television, LLC. Mark was faithful and never forgot to remember his friends and family in his prayers. The hearing will end with Samuels determining whether to move forward with bringing the criminal case to trial or to dismiss the charges. According to several local reports, including those from CBS Los Angeles, the Sacramento Bee, and KNBC, Rebecca Grossman, 57, is Grossman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter after the accident, NBC Los Angeles reported, but posted her $2 million bail on October 1. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { Magazine publisher Rebecca Grossman, 57, struck and killed nine year-old Jacob Iskander and his brother Mark, 11, in Westlake Village, California, on Tuesday evening. Ministers in clash as farmers fear Britain will be flooded with cheap Mexican and Canadian meat Britain's Special Forces are banned from TikTok and other apps amid fears their accounts could be Mamma Mia! Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. The crash occurred the evening of Sept. 29, 2020, along Triunfo Canyon Roadat the intersection with Saddle Mountain Drive in Westlake Village. Suspect in L.A. The suspected driver, Rebecca Grossman, was located at or near the crash site, according to the sheriff's office. On September 14, Samuels blasted Grossman for not showing up at her previous five scheduled court appearances, all of which were continued. Two other children are said to have been pulled out of harm's way. Instead, she was cooperative and police with the investigating officers.. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ Jacob and Mark were both hit by the Mercedes. "The children were walking with their family. Grossman's preliminary hearing was delayed yet again on Wednesday after the court was informed that her attorney Richard Sutton had taken ill and was unable to go forward with the case. The boys' mother, Nancy Iskander was also seen wearing one of the T-shirts as she thanked the protesters for their support. pg.acq.push(function() { The driverof the black car has since been charged with misdemeanor reckless drivingand his case remains pending. ABC News could not immediately reach the Grossman Burn Center for comment. The hearing in a Van Nuys courtroom was to determine whether the Grossman, 58, of Hidden Hills, California, should be brought to trial for the charges. After allegedly hitting the Iskander brothers, witnesses said Grossman fled the scene before the vehicle stalled about a quarter-mile away. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. 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. Former Westlake Magazine publisher Rebecca Grossman was charged with murder and vehicular manslaughter after she reportedly slammed her Mercedes-Benz into Jacob Iskander, 9, and his 11-year-old . if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ One boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. Jacob, age 8, never shied away from adventure and excitement! 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. 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Nancy Iskander appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday to testify in the preliminary hearing for the case, nearly two years after the hit-and-run crash killed her sons Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8. 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 young kids were walking with their parents and two siblings. Our freedom of information act requests has 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.. Rebecca Grossman Grossman accepts the Betty Fisher Legacy Award at Evening of Hope 2017 at Sheraton Universal on May 18, 2017 in Universal City, California. It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. Authorities said the brothers were hit by a car in front of their parents and siblings as they crossed the street Tuesday night at Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive in Westlake Village. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' 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 Ventura County Star. hitType: 'event', A scuffed copy of the Koran. The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation online. Mark (11) and Jacob (8) Iskander were tragically killed in an auto accident by an "alleged" drunk driver in September, 2020. 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. } 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. Have a tip we should know? Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. As they approached the intersection with Saddle Mountain Drive, Iskander and her son Mark had the idea of crossing the road for a view of Westlake Lake. The city was repeatedly asked to upgrade and make the crosswalk safer. The hearing before Judge Shellie Samuelswas to determine whether the suspected driver in the crash, Hidden Hills resident Rebecca Grossman, 58, should be brought to trial for the charges. Her husband, Karim Iskander, went ahead on a jog, carrying their youngest child, Violet. }); In September 2020, Rebecca Grossman ran over two boys Mark and Jacob Iskander with her Mercedes in West Lake, California. Crash that Killed Pregnant Mother, Her Son & 4 Others. That night, due to the darkness, lack of lighting, and the color of clothing [Jacob and Mark Iskander] were wearing, my client never saw those little boys.. The killing of my sons were indirect consequences of those extremely reckless actions that basically used the car as a weapon, the childrens father, Karim Iskander, said in Aprils preliminary hearing. Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, arrives at Van Nuys Courthouse for her preliminary hearing. Both brothers died that night.. REVEALED: Huge sonic boom felt by thousands across the country was caused by RAF Typhoon jets scrambling to DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? Investigators tell Eyewitness News they have surveillance video of the incident. Grossman is expected back in court in August, according to NBC Los Angeles, with her trial slated to begin in September. It haunts me every night,' Iskander said, once again having to relive the nightmare of losing her children. The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. Rebecca Grossman, 58, is accused of barreling her Mercedes Benz at speeds of up to 81 mph toward the Iskander family, killing brothers Jacob and Mark, ages 8 and 11, in the residential area of Westlake Village, California.