Verdict Reached in Civil Trial Over Fatal Westlake Village Crash
A jury has found Rebecca Grossman and former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson negligent in the deaths of two brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander. The children were struck and killed by Grossman's vehicle in Westlake Village on September 29, 2020. The jury awarded $176 million in damages to the victims' family.
The jury awarded $176 million in damages to the victims' family.
Malice Finding
The jury also determined that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice. This finding opens the door for a potential punitive damages phase.
Defendants
The following parties were found liable: Rebecca Grossman, Scott Erickson, and Dr. Peter Grossman (Rebecca's husband and the owner of the vehicle). The court has not yet specified how the damages will be divided among them.
Background
The civil lawsuit was filed in January 2021 by Nancy and Karim Iskander, parents of the victims, and their son Zachary. The suit alleged that Grossman and Erickson had been drinking and were engaged in a speed contest before Grossman struck the children at approximately 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Criminal Case
In a separate criminal trial, Rebecca Grossman was convicted on February 23, 2024, of two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and one count of hit-and-run. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Erickson was not charged criminally.