The foundation will work alongside the schools to ensure that local kids in foster care have a chance to receive an excellent education that will aid them throughout their lives. At a hearing last December, the judge also said that the victims' parents, have been enduring 'torture and heartbreak' while the case drags on. eventAction: 'view' She's accused of killing 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his 8-year-old brother Jacob while they were in the crosswalk at a Westlake Village intersection in September 2020. We can't keep continuing this. Grossman's sentence must be proportionate to her crime in order to prevent future similar tragedies, and endangerment of other families and young children. The brothers were identified by a local newspaper, The Acorn, as 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 9-year-old Jacob Iskander. The victims were Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8. I fear someone will get hurt or killed, one email allegedly read. Our Hometown In September 2020, the young lives of Mark and Jacob Iskander were tragically taken by a drunk driver in a hit and run accident while on a family walk in their neighborhood in California. 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. The parents set up a foundation in the boysnames. That, alone, is comforting.. 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. Copyright 2000-2023 J.Bee NP Publishing, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. '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. At a vigil in Three Springs Park Mark and Jacob's neighborhood playground the boys' mother, Nancy Iskander, revealed her anguish, courage and faith. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), 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. For more information on the foundation, go online to markandjacobfoundation.org. 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. } "Mark was the type of friend that, if anything happened, he was always there for me or for anybody," Nagel said. 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. 'I heard a really loud noise, I looked back and I either felt or saw the other car speeding also,' Iskander said. On September 14, Samuels blasted Grossman for not showing up at her previous five scheduled court appearances, all of which were continued. eventAction: 'click_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. "Mark and Jacob have brought back that sense of community.". 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 victims were 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his younger brother, 8-year-old Jacob Iskander. Nobody stopped," Iskander, the mother of 8-year-old Jacob and 11-year-old Mark, said at the hearing. 1 Dead, 12 Injured After Car Runs Into Taco Stand in Pomona, Calif. Driver Charged with DWI and Murder Allegedly Smirked as He Ran Over Boy, 6, Multiple Times: Grandfather, Man Charged with Murder After Cyclist, 77, Killed in Hit-and-Run During Charity Ride, Man Who Shot Lady Gaga's Dog Walker During Dognapping Sentenced to 21 Years: 'I Do Forgive You'. 'I realized something happened to Mark and Jacob.'. 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. It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. }); },false) We were surprised and disappointed, but (the prosecutors) kept managing our expectations, saying this is the process and be patient and justice will eventually be served, Karim Iskander said. 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. "We are full of hope in just God we serve and the justice system," the boys' mother Nancy told the media. I learned from them more.". }); Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and general assignment reporterfor the Ventura County Star. Have a tip we should know? It haunts me every night,' Iskander said, once again having to relive the nightmare of losing her children. Sheriffs deputies had previously clocked her speed as exceeding 80 miles per hour just seconds before. 'We can't keep continuing this. Mark and Jacob were excited about learning. ga('ads.send', { I do apologize for the delays." 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. He died at the scene. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); The first suit alleges that Grossman was intoxicated and driving in excess of 70 mph when she ran over Mark and Jacob. 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. Grossman hit the boys at 71.7 mph, sheriffs deputyRobert Apodacacalculated. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { Children without family to take care of them are left with no choice but to live in orphanages. }); 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. The boys' father, Karim Iskander, said Mark had "the sweetest heart ever," and would "spread sincere appreciation and laughter." Nancy Iskander said she saw Grossman, accompanied by police, in the same Los Robles hospital emergency room where Jacob was taken. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. It's detrimental to them that this is taking so long. Grossman, 57, is accused of speeding through a crosswalk in Westlake Village on Sept. 29, striking two brothers with her car who were crossing the street with their parents at the time, the DA's office said. Since the boys were killed a year and a half ago, Grossman has been free on bail, free to do whatever she wants, while the boys' parents are living a nightmare." 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. La personne qui a lanc cette ptition a dcid d'agir. Their vibrancy was recognized by everyone they met, their warmth felt in every place they entered, and their memory inspires all those who carry them in their heart. Its heartwarming.. The family is suffering. We are deeply devastated by the heartbreaking loss of Mark and Jacob Iskander. Connor Nagel, one of Mark's closest friends, recalled how quickly they befriended each other once Mark started attending Ascension Lutheran. Grossman could receive a sentence of up to 34 years to life in state prison if she is convicted, the DA's office said. She faces a maximum 34 years in prison. ga('ads.send', { ", "They were truly, truly awesome kids. He almost killed us.. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The judge reportedly denied the defense an opportunity to show evidence their client stopped of her own volitionrather than stopping because of her vehicle breaking down. According to her lawyer, previous reports about the incident have been inaccurate. }); Los Angeles socialite Rebecca Grossman was accused of running over and killing two young brothers while drunk racing in her Mercedes in September 2020. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { Representatives for the city of Westlake Village did not immediately respond to Law&Crimes request for comment. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. We think the whole justice system, they looked at the facts and they made the right decision. Itbegan with a prayer delivered by the boys' mother, Nancy Iskander,who was with them in the crosswalk when they were killed. As Delkeskamp spoke, an animal handler placed two boxes on a table behind her. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Karim Iskander heard the crash, heard his wife scream, and came running. Authorities investigating the crash in 2020. After Monday's hearing, Grossman, left court hand in hand with her husband. If you sign this petition and feel compelled to do more, you may also write an e-mail directly to the District Attorneys office here: https://da.lacounty.gov/contact/email. 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. pg.acq.push(function() { The outrage comes after the court proceedings kept getting delayed and Grossman's lack of attendance at several hearings. Were thankful to judge Samuels. 10:21 EDT 26 Apr 2022. 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. ", Unsure what this has to do with material facts of the case. Jacob and Marks motherNancy Iskandertestified to walking with three of her sons at the crosswalk. As far as why God wanted them home, we dont know, but we know he is an all-loving God and he has a plan, and well have to wait to see his plan, Nancy Iskander said. The Mark & Jacob Iskander Orphanage will be a place of refuge and hope for children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves.This project needs your critical support to meet its fundraising goals. , updated In Egypt, where the Iskander family is from, adoption is illegal. One of the protesters, mother-of-two Julie Cohen, 58, - who made the Mark and Jacob T-shirts bearing the words 'JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED, plus similar stickers - told told DailyMail.com, 'There have been too many delays already. 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. She did not turn around. Grossman allegedly kept driving after striking the children, only stopping a quarter-mile away because her engine cut off, authorities have said. Jacob and Mark were both hit by the Mercedes. "This is a devastating loss for our community," State Senator Henry Stern tweeted. Grossman, 58, kept her head down and clutched her husband's hand as she arrived at the Van Nuys courtroom on Monday. '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. Marks body lay a football fields length down the street, his father estimates. "Very thankful. Socialite ran over Iskander kids in 2020, A small crowd has gathered at the Van Nuys courthouse where a hearing is set for Rebecca Grossman. 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. The boys, both deacons at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church in Simi, died Sept. 29, 2020, after being hit by a car said to be About Mark & Jacob Our Mission Updates Contact Donate. "Please God, I ask that everyone who sees me on my feet, that they also know that whatever they struggle with in life, they too will be OK," Iskander said. The driver, Rebecca Grossman, 58, of Hidden Hills, has been charged with second degree murder and currently awaits trial in Los Angeles County. The second boy was taken to a local hospital where he died a few hours later, the sheriff's office said. She hit and run, and that is what she did. We know they are not suffering. By Sharon Lynn Pruitt The drivers were later identified as Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation, and Scott Erickson, a former Major League Baseball player. These victims lost two children. Mark was allegedly carried 100ft on the hood of Grossman's car before she braked, at which point he fell off the car and she ran him over again as she fled the scene, say prosecutors. Rebecca Grossman in a 2014 video. Buzbee also said that his investigators have preliminary determined from at least two sources that Grossman was traveling at just under 52 miles per hour when she struck the boys, a significantly slower speed than what prosecutors have alleged. 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. Grossman, 57, was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter, the sheriff's department said. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. We are one of the worlds fastest growing The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation celebrates the extraordinary lives of Mark and Jacob Iskander by continuing their mission of love and light. 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. The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation, administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation (which oversaw the Borderline fund), provides support to underserved children. The boys were in a marked crosswalk in Westlake Village with their . I dont know how far, maybe 100 yards at least. 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. I looked backand Zachary, tooturned around to see the other car come and take them, she said, struggling to hold back her tears. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The boys aspired to greatness, not for themselves, but to glorify God and help the world around them. The brothers were identified by friends and by the Acorn newspaper as 9-year-old Jacob Iskander and 11-year-old Mark. }); The Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation provides support to underserved children. She didnt apply the brakes after she hit the children. I have people reaching out to me every day asking how they can pray for me, what they can do for me, Nancy Iskander said. Iskander welcomed the judges decision to go to trial. "Mark and Jacob positively impacted many people who knew them," Gorgy said, gesturing to the crowd gathered to honor the boys. 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. She is presumed innocent until the government proves this case beyond a reasonable doubt. 'Justice must be served, regardless of Grossman's financial means, status, privilege and connections,' declared one. All witnessed by the very eyes of the ones who love them most their parents. The boys' mother broke down in tears on the stand as she testified that on the day of the crash, she was walking with the two boys as well as their 5-year-old brother in the crosswalk when she heard loud engines and suddenly saw two SUVs hurtling toward them. Rebecca Grossman in a 2014 video. (Source: NBC News) Grossman posted bail and was released about twenty-four hours . Church served as the center for the Iskander children's lives, as evidenced by the stories shared by their formerSunday school teacher, Mariam Guirgos, as well as their classmates at Ascension Lutheran School. Grossman lives in a $9.5 million, nine-bed, 12-bath mansion, in nearby Hidden Hills, on the same street as Full House actress Lori Loughlin. Courtesy of the Iskander family. Details are available at markandjacobfoundation.org. 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!' The child development resource center offers these children access to fresh clothes, nutritional meals, and fun activities.