Support from the community has helped; its a signal to the parents that their sons live on in the memory of others. And saw that he was in very bad shape.. The driver that hit the boys was nowhere to be seen. That, alone, is comforting.. The boys' father, Karim Iskander, said Mark had "the sweetest heart ever," and would "spread sincere appreciation and laughter." The driver, Rebecca Grossman,. We, the undersigned, want the Los Angeles District Attorneys office to know that we will actively and diligently seek justice for Mark and Jacob Iskander. Cyril Gorgy, a parish priest at the Coptic Orthodox Church where the Iskander family attends services. asked ABC7 reporter Sid Garcia. Karim Iskander said he wishes he could tell the boys how much he misses them. The family is suffering. It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. . (Source: NBC News). Were definitely happy, she said after the hearing, according to KABC. At a hearing last December, the judge also said that the victims' parents, have been enduring 'torture and heartbreak' while the case drags on. Details are available at markandjacobfoundation.org. "Mark and Jacob have brought back that sense of community.". She is presumed innocent until the government proves this case beyond a reasonable doubt. She said that after looking both ways, she entered the crosswalk with Zachary on a scooter and Mark and Jacob on foot. I wish you were here to make wonderful things like you always did, the father said. A Change.org petition was started after the Iskander boys' deaths, demanding for Grossman to be "prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law and that she face serious consequences for her actions that took away the lives of Mark and Jacob.". ga('ads.send', { The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities. In the courts version of events, Grossman was playing a high-speed game of chicken with former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcherScott Ericksonwhen she reached speeds more than twice the 45-mph speed limit and struck Jacob Iskander, 8, andMark Iskander, 11, who were going over a crosswalk with family. gads_event = event; A philanthropist must stand trial after allegedly murdering two young boys who were crossing the street with their family nearly two years ago. All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most their parents. The family is suffering. The evidence is the defendant, after hitting the children, proceeded to the driveway, the judge said. In addition to offering them respite, the program addresses their educational needs and teaches them new skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. These victims lost two children. On the evening of Sept. 29, however, the entire family of six (including 5-year-old Zachary and baby Violet) set out on a stroll that would take them across Triunfo Canyon Road to the shores of Westlake Lake. Marks and Jacobs family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime. Jacob and Mark's mother Nancy Iskander testified to walking with three of her sons at the crosswalk. That is hit-and-run.. It's time she was put behind bars, where she belongs.'. },false) The brothers were identified by friends and by the Acorn newspaper as 9-year-old Jacob Iskander and 11-year-old Mark. These victims lost two children. The parents were at there at the time, according to the sheriff's office. An attorney for Grossman could not be immediately identified by PEOPLE and it is not clear if she has entered a plea at this time. But said neither Grossman's white Mercedes Benz nor Scott Erickson's black SUV stopped. Of course, that action was too little, too late.. 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. After delays , a #prelinary hearing is scheduled in the case where socialite #RebeccaGrossman is accused of racing a former #MLB pitcher before hitting two brothers in a #WestlakeVillage crosswalk. "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. By Sharon Lynn Pruitt I fear someone will get hurt or killed, one email allegedly read. I dont know how far, maybe 100 yards at least. [emailprotected]. Mothers and homemakers were spotted wearing T-shirts with a picture of the young victims, Jacob, 9, and Mark Iskander, 11, as they protested outside the courtroom in Van Nuys on March 16. With her husband, prominent plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman, 59, Grossman is the founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation and ex-publisher of Westlake Magazine. To honor their memory, The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation has been established to make sure that the love and kindness that Mark and Jacob left us with, is not only remembered, but multiplied. Rebecca Grossman was arraigned Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court and charged with two felony counts each of murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced. The outrage comes after the court proceedings kept getting delayed and Grossman's lack of attendance at several hearings. The Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation helps fund a child development resource center in Egypt where these kids can take a break from the harsh reality of their lives. Your generosity will allow children to reach their full potential academically, socially, and psychologically by offering them the love, support, and tools they need to succeed. "Two young boys with an entire lifetime ahead of them.". She faces two counts of vehicular manslaughter and a fifth felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death but remains free on a $2 million bail. The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities. Courtesy of While they wait, Nancy Iskander said she and her husband pray every night for the boys: Mark, who wanted to be a neurosurgeon or a comedian, and Jacob, whom she described as her bodyguard.. . hitType: 'event', After Monday's hearing, Grossman, left court hand in hand with her husband. Rebecca Grossman, 57, was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Jacob and Marks motherNancy Iskandertestified to walking with three of her sons at the crosswalk. Two brothers were killed when they were hit by a car, in Westlake Village, Calif., Sept. 29, 2020. My wife told me Mark got hit, so I ran about 50 steps and I looked at him and it was Jacob, not Mark, he said. With your support, Mark and Jacobs light will travel to the darkest places and illuminate countless young lives both at home and abroad, through three projects dedicated to supporting orphans in Egypt, impoverished youth, and foster children. if(document.querySelector("#adunit")){ On Sept. 29, 2020, Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8, had tried to cross Triunfo Canyon Road at Saddle Mountain Drive when they were hit by a passing car, killing them both. } "Thousands of lives have been impacted by this tragedy - two, innocent and loving, young boys with their entire life ahead of them were taken away by the complete and intentional disregard for human life, gross negligence, and selfish actions of Grossman. The protestors believe Grossman's wealth and connections have successfully managed to keep her out of jail. Mark's and Jacob's family and community will continue to grieve this horrific and tragic loss for a lifetime. Mark's third-grade teacher Kristen Rowlands remembered her student as having an "outgoing passion" paired with "smarts," adding that his younger brother was full of confidence and "so much joy," the Thousand Oaks Acorn reported. (2/3) Grossman faces two counts of murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of felony hit and run. if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ Emailus. }); Justice must be served, regardless of Grossmans financial means, status, privilege, and connections. Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8, were killed in September when Rebecca Grossman allegedly struck them with her car and drove away while driving drunk. 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Vanessa Bechtel, president and CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation, sharedinformation about the new foundation started in the brothers' honor, the Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation. Mark (11) and Jacob (8) Iskander were tragically killed in an auto accident by an "alleged" drunk driver in September, 2020. The 57-year-old was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for running over the kids aged 11 and 9. We, the undersigned, want the Los Angeles District Attorney's office to know that we will actively and diligently seek justice for Mark and Jacob Iskander. hitType: 'event', He stands tall, he speaks with confidence. Brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander, 11 and 8, were walking with their parents and siblings in Westlake Village, California, in September 2020 when they were struck and killed The Iskander. Ferez-vous la mme chose? Grossman is charged with murdering Jacob and Mark in Westlake Village. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { Buzbee noted that the Iskander family have sued the City of Westlake and the State of California, alleging that the crossing was a substantial factor in the deaths of their sons. Photo: Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church of Ventura County, 2 Young Brothers Killed in Front of Parents by Car, and Socialite Driver Is Charged with DUI, Honors Student, 17, Killed After Offering Teenagers a Ride: 'Thought He Was Doing the Right Thing', L.A. Sheriff's Deputy Charged with Murder in Fatal Crash that Killed 12-Year-Old Boy, Mother of Athena Strand, 7, Joins Child's Father in Suing FedEx After Their Daughter's Death, Minnesota Mom Convicted of Murdering Her 6-Year-Old Son After Going to Gun Range for Shooting Practice, Calif. Man Arrested After Allegedly Crashing into Church Van, Killing 3 Coming from Bible Study. Police claim that when the boys were hit by her car, Grossman was driving over the 45mph speed limit and may have been racing with her friend and near-neighbor, World Series-winning pitcher Scott Erickson, 54, while the two were on their way to the same house party. @ScottSteepleton #acornnewspaper pic.twitter.com/f3SwFbBYn2. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. L.A. County Sheriffs investigatorScott Sheantook the stand, telling the court that a trooper said Grossman was clocked driving 92 mph. It was the farthest he had heard of a person being flung in a crash, the deputy said. "When they were little I thought it was my job to teach them but especially in the last year I think it was the opposite. She is presumed innocent until the government proves this case beyond a reasonable doubt. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); 'We demand that Grossman is prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law and that she face serious consequences for her actions that took away the lives of Mark and Jacob. document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ Additional news articles can be found below:People | CBS | LA Mag | The Acorn | Thousand Oaks Acorn | The Acorn (#2) | Daily Mail. More @ABC7 at 4 and 5. pic.twitter.com/xdl9QqDLRV, 58-year-old Julie Cohen, who is one of the protesters, told Daily Mail, "There have been too many delays already. Erickson, whose vehicle entered the crosswalk first and barely missed the boys, according to Nancy Iskander, has been charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, which carries a maximum penalty of three months in jail and a $1,000 fine. We know (their father) Karim and I will be with them, Nancy Iskander told the Acorn in the couples first media interview since their sons deaths. We demand that Grossman is prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law and that she face serious consequences for her actions that took away the lives of Mark and Jacob. Grossman allegedly kept driving after striking the children, only stopping a quarter-mile away because her engine cut off, authorities have said. | This program will create scholarships for foster children interested in attending the same schools that the boys had the pleasure of attending. }); MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of In Egypt, where the Iskander family is from, adoption is illegal. Mark was pronounced dead at the scene. Crash that Killed Pregnant Mom, 4 Others Was Involved in 13 Prior Wrecks: Prosecutors. 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.. It is unfathomable to me how the State thinks it can prosecute someone while it is at the same time being sued for recklessness, and negligence for the very same incident.. "I don't understand why they are not here with us today," the elderNagel said. The eighth grader was one of many people who spoke at Thursday's vigil for Mark and Jacob Iskander, two young brothers who were fatally struck by a car on Sept. 29, 2020. Grossman posted bail and was released about twenty-four hours after her arrest. Thank you! They were both coming at us at unbelievable speeds, she said. As Delkeskamp spoke, an animal handler placed two boxes on a table behind her. All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most their parents. It haunts me every night,' Iskander said, once again having to relive the nightmare of losing her children. pic.twitter.com/SlLiwtFiRt. One boy was pronounced dead at the scene. I learned from them more.". In loving memory, their family would like to start a children's orphanage in Egypt. 10:05 EDT 26 Apr 2022 ga('ads.send', { I had to run to see him, Karim Iskander said. "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Senator Henry Stern tweeted. We continue to pray every day, and Sept. 29 will just be another day of crying.. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. The judge pointed out vehicle data which said Grossman had reached 81 mph about a second and a half before the crash. The Iskanders, originally from Egypt, are Coptic Christians. Grossman, a Hidden Hills resident, is accused of hitting Jacob, 8, and Mark Iskander, 11, with her car. The orphanage will be in Mark and let gads_event; Grossman wasallegedly engaged in a high-speed game of chicken at the time with former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson when she struck the brothers with her car. It wasn't the first time that Judge Samuels has expressed sorrow over the many holdups in the case against Grossman. 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. The vehicles driver, 57-year-old, Rebecca Grossman, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, racing, and fleeing the scene of the crime. By continuing to browse or by clicking "Accept," you agree to our site's privacy policy. 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. 'Justice for Mark and Jacob Iskander' and 'Put Rebecca Grossman behind bars' are two Change.org petitions with 18,734 and 32,374 signatures, respectively. The boys' mother, Nancy Iskander was also seen wearing one of the T-shirts as she thanked the protesters for their support. She has not been actually charged with DUI. } Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Mark and Jacob were excited about learning. "I don't know if God will ever give me this understanding, but I do know that I feel so blessed to have known Mark and Jacob for the short time that I did.". Attorneys for Rebecca Grossman, accused of vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander, filed a motion used when a defendant alleges an officer used excessive force or lied about the events surrounding an arrest. The defense highlighted test results showing their clients blood alcohol level was at .074 percent and .073 percent, but the Orange County lab criminalist Kelly Brownacknowledged to prosecutors during cross-examination that it was possible for that amount to decrease over time for the Orange County test to show lower results than the one from Los Angeles County. It haunts me every night," Iskander said. Speculative and unsourced reporting only serves to further sensationalize and deepen the pain and loss caused by this tragic accident. Grossman arrived at court with her plastic surgeon husband, Dr Peter Grossman. Woman Allegedly Used Social Media to Find and Kill Doppelgnger So She Could Fake Her Own Death, Nurse Charged with 6 Counts of Murder in L.A. He wasnt driving recklessly. On September 14, Samuels blasted Grossman for not showing up at her previous five scheduled court appearances, all of which were continued. According to her lawyer, previous reports about the incident have been inaccurate. In a statement released, Grossman's attorney said, "Rebecca Grossman has entered a not guilty plea in this case, and the government has yet to present any evidence in court. The Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation helps fund a child development resource center in Egypt where these kids can take a break from the harsh reality of their lives. The boys' deaths prompted an. pic.twitter.com/W7lCxDXt5m, Demi Moore has not left Bruce Willis's side and is doing everything to make his 'last moments happy', 'Stop it!' It was not unusual for the boys to go on evening walks with their father, Karim Iskander said, but they usually stayed within the confines of their neighborhood south of Westlake Lake. A heartbroken mother wept on the stand as she tearfully described how she desperately tried to wave down Rebecca Grossman just seconds before thesocialite ran over her two sons with her Mercedes during an alleged street race. The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation, administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation (which oversaw the Borderline fund), provides support to underserved children. eventAction: 'load' The Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation provides support to underserved children. This is a serious case. Justice must be served, regardless of Grossman's financial means, status, privilege, and connections," reads one petition. As reported in the media, Mark and his younger brother Jacob tragically died as a result of https://t.co/hCctyDFMGp pic.twitter.com/7lTjyCPe4l, OaksChristianSchool (@OaksChristian) October 2, 2020. With the sun lowering in the distance, the Iskander family lifted the cover off the boxes and two dozen doves flew into the air, disappearing into the sunset. Her 5-year-old son, who survived the incident, saw paramedics perform CPR on Jacob, she said. The Iskander brothers had been walking across a crosswalk with their parents and two siblings, Zackary and Violet, when they were struck. Have a tip or story idea? }); These continual delays are awful for the family. After an acoustic performance by Devin Milligan, the boys' former music teacher, attendeesheard from the Rev. For more information on the foundation, go online to markandjacobfoundation.org. Its heartwarming.. 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 foundation will also ensure that theyre equipped with everything they need to make the most out of their education. }) Grossman could receive a sentence of up to 34 years to life in state prison if she is convicted, the DA's office said. The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities. } The drivers were later identified as Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, and Scott Erickson, a former Major League Baseball player. Jacob and Mark Iskander were killed Sept. 29, 2020, when they were struck by a speeding car in a crosswalk near their Westlake Village home while Nancy and Zachary were with them. The victims were 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his younger brother, 8-year-old Jacob Iskander. It was not immediately clear if she had an attorney. But despite the severity of the crimes she's accused of, she's been free on bail since being charged two days after the tragedy. 2/2 "She has never been in criminal trouble before, nor has she ever been arrested before. She managed to take her 5-year-old son to safety after hearing engine roars and two SUVs driving toward them, but she found her older sons almost dead. Mark was thrown 254 feet. Nothing will bring Mark and Jacob back and the pain in my heart will remain, but we are happy with the justice we received today., [Screenshot of Grossman via Grossman Burn Foundation; screenshot of investigation via KTTV], Have a tip we should know?