Rebecca Grossman never apologized, the mother of victims of fatal crashes have said.

Mother of Mark as well as Jacob Iskander, the two young boys that Rebecca Grossman was convicted of murdering in a hit-and-run accident in 2020, believes that Judge Joseph Brandolino’s sentence to Grossman was not a proper sentence.

Jonathan Gonzalez

12/06/2024

In her first sit-down interview following Monday’s sentence, Nancy Iskander told NBC4 she thinks Judge Brandolino should’ve issued a more severe sentence, one that is a reflection of the death of her sons.

Grossman was facing a maximum sentence of 34 years behind bars. She she was sentenced to life imprisonment for each charge of second-degree murder along with three years in prison for a hit-and-run case. However, she was required to serve both sentences concurrently.

“It was a stab in the heart for me to count both boys as one,” Iskander stated. “What message are you sending the people of America? Is it okay to run and hit? You could hit someone, take their life and then run. If I am lucky, I might be able to escape, but I’ll stay and be accountable because hit-and-run could be done in parallel.

“And regrettably, I am unable to make it right. However, I would want the Mr. Brandolino to understand that this isn’t just,” she added.

Grossman was convicted on Feb. 23, of 2 charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter in gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driver although she denies murdering and slaying the boys.

Following this verdict, the Iskander informed her media that she believed that the judge should be lenient regarding Grossman in light of her position as wife and mother however, she changed her stance following the fact that Grossman sent her an apology letter from prison and was then ordered by the judge Brandolino to stop making contact with her family.

“I am in love with her. I am a huge fan of her family. I’m not in any way a fan of her. However, this isn’t the same as seeking justice, isn’t it? I love them to this day. However, she, on the contrary, isn’t willing to show me mercy,” Iskander said. “She’s not apologized. She’s said ‘I’m sorry’ a lot. I am sorry for the things that has happened to you. I am sorry for losing your children. I am sorry your kids died.’ … The woman has never claimed that I am sorry that I caused their deaths. She is incredibly struggling over the reality that she committed it, and will not accept responsibility for her actions.”

Prosecutors wanted Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino to sentence Grossman who turns 61 on Friday, an additional sentence of 34 years or life in a state prison for the deaths in September 2020 of Mark and Jacob Iskander, ages 11 and 8. The boys were on the marked crosswalk along with their families in the neighborhood northwestern part in Los Angeles when they were struck by the Mercedes-Benz white SUV.

Defense attorneys wanted the possibility of a sentence that includes probation or the state’s lower prison term of just 12 years for lesser serious charges of vehicular murder.

Grossman in her brown jacket, was shaking her head and wept in the courtroom during the hearing of victim impact statements during the courtroom. A judge demanded to have the statements, which are usually presented by relatives or friends who were familiar with the victims are kept brief because of an extensive list of people who spoke.

The speakers included Mark and Jacob’s mom and grandmother, as well as their uncle teachers, neighbors, and a pastor who shared their stories of the boys.

“I want them to be remembered as someone who did good in the world,” Iskander stated. “If they’re not here to do it, I am here to do it on their behalf.”

The Iskander family has launched the Jacob and Mark Iskander Foundation which aims to assist children who are in need, such as children in foster care across the globe.

The foundation is located within Westlake Village.

“In the 5th year, Mark ran for student council at school. His strategy was to make this the best school year ever.’ “Mark my Word” is his perfect pun” Iskander said. “I’m going to turn this tragedy into something so beautiful.”

After wrapping up a lengthy legal battle that took nearly 4 years Iskander declared that she is focusing her efforts entirely on her sons.

“I do not really know how Mark as well as Jacob might have been doing were they given the chance to live their lives. I’m not sure if they were married, had kids or worked as doctors, but I’m responsible for whatever the two could’ve done. It’s a lot of work, but I’m prepared. I’m prepared,” she said. “I have wonderful people with me. We’ll do it — Mark my word.”

Grossman received a sentence of for 15 years and a life sentence in prison on Monday, following her conviction of second-degree murder.

Prosecutors have asked for the court to convict Grossman who turns 61 on Friday, an additional sentence of 34 years or life in a state prison in connection with the September 2020 death of Mark Jacob Iskander and Mark age 11, and 8. The boys were walking in the marked crosswalk along with their families in the northwestern part in Los Angeles when they were hit by the car, a white Mercedes-Benz.

Defense attorneys wanted an indefinite sentence, either probation or the less severe state prison sentence of just 12 years for lesser serious charges of vehicular manslaughter.

Grossman dressed in brown pants she shook her head and wept at the time of the sentencing hearing, as victim impact statements were read in the courtroom. The judge requested to have the statements, which are usually given by relatives, friends and others who have known the victims, be kept short because of the long list of people to speak.

The speakers included Mark Jacob’s mother and grandmother, as well as their uncle teachers, a pastor, and neighbors who shared their stories of Jacob and Mark.

Grossman was found guilty in February. 23 on two charges each of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter in gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run driver.

In a letter he typed to the judge Grossman wrote “I I amn’t a killer, and I’m begging to be aware of that truth. My suffering and my awareness of the hurt Iskanders endure and the suffering I feel for my family are all punishments that I have already suffered and will suffer throughout my life. Consider this pain as you think about what punishment I deserve in this particular case.

“As God is my witness, I did not see anyone or anything in the road. I swear to you, I would have driven my car into a tree to avoid hitting two little boys.”

“I can only imagine the pain that (the boys’ parents) Nancy and Karim Iskander feel minute by minute,” she wrote. “I will carry my pain for the rest of my life.”

Prosecutors claimed Grossman was operating at high speed she was drunk and was a victim of valium and alcohol inside her bloodstream. The evidence presented at trial suggests she was driving between 73 and 80 mph in 45 mph time frame prior to the crash, as per prosecutors. She has claimed that she was not operating under the under the influence of drinking, impaired or racing.

Grossman didn’t return to the scene of the crash that caused the airbag to go off in the SUV scene or offer medical assistance to the child the prosecutor said. The SUV’s engine stopped about a quarter mile away from where the two roads intersected.

Prosecutors say Grossman is likely to be eligible for parole after nine years.