Grossman to pay $21M for fatal crash

A jury has ordered Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million and her former lover, ex-Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson, $1.17 million in punitive damages. These awards are for the deaths of two young brothers, Mark and Jacob Iskander, who were killed in a September 2020 crash. The total damages awarded to the Iskander family now stand at nearly $200 million.

Grossman was convicted of second-degree murder in 2024 and is serving 15 years to life. The California Supreme Court recently rejected her petition to review this conviction. The jury found both Grossman and Erickson liable for the boys' deaths, awarding $176 million in compensatory damages last week before moving to the punitive phase.

During the punitive phase, the Iskanders' attorney urged jurors to punish and deter reprehensible conduct, highlighting the pair's alleged intoxication and high speeds. Grossman's attorney argued against punitive damages, stating no evidence of deceit was presented and that the compensatory award already sent a message.

Erickson testified that he feels terrible about his actions and wishes he had done something differently. He disclosed significant financial difficulties, with only $9,000 in his bank account. The Iskander family expressed that no verdict can ease their pain but are grateful for accountability and the chance for people to learn about their sons.