Civil Trial Underway in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case

A civil wrongful death trial began on Friday, April 24, 2026, concerning the tragic 2020 deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander. The brothers were fatally struck by a vehicle in Westlake Village, California.

Defendants and Allegations

The trial centers on determining liability and damages against Rebecca Grossman, currently serving a 15-year-to-life sentence for second-degree murder, and Scott Erickson, her former boyfriend and a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher. The Iskander family is seeking accountability from both individuals for the devastating loss of their sons.

Prosecution's Opening Statements

Attorney Brian Panish, representing the Iskander family, argued that Erickson engaged in reckless driving, blocking the boys’ path as they crossed a marked crosswalk without a stoplight. He stated Grossman then struck the children at 73 miles per hour, comparing the impact to a significant fall from a height.

The prosecution alleges Grossman continued driving for approximately a quarter of a mile before her car stalled, suggesting an attempt to evade responsibility.

Defense's Counterarguments

Grossman’s defense attorney, Ester Hold, asserted that Grossman did not intentionally attempt to leave the scene and did not see the children in the crosswalk at the time of the impact. Hold suggested other factors contributed to the accident and that investigators prematurely concluded Grossman was solely responsible.

Focus on Scott Erickson's Role

A key point of contention is the potential involvement of Erickson. Grossman’s defense previously argued Erickson’s vehicle struck the boys first, a claim Erickson did not address under oath during the criminal trial. The civil trial is expected to explore this further, potentially requiring Erickson to testify.

Seeking Justice and Closure

The Iskander family hopes to achieve a measure of justice through this legal process, acknowledging that no amount of money can compensate for their loss. The trial is expected to be emotionally charged, focusing on establishing the degree of responsibility held by each defendant and the extent of the damages suffered by the family.