Courtroom Tensions Rise in Rebecca Grossman Wrongful Death Case

On Monday, intense courtroom exchanges took place during the punitive phase of the civil wrongful death trial involving Rebecca Grossman and former Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson. Both have been found liable for the wrongful deaths of two young boys, Mark and Jacob Iskander, aged 11 and 8. The jury is now deliberating on additional financial penalties beyond the already awarded $176 million.

Dr. Peter Grossman, a renowned plastic surgeon and Rebecca’s husband, returned to the witness stand. Attorney Brian Panish extensively questioned him about the family’s wealth and his wife’s involvement in the tragedy. Dr. Grossman expressed regret, stating, “The pain the Iskanders have had is enormous and there’s no words that are enough. All I can say is that I am very, very sorry.”

Panish was direct, questioning Rebecca’s activities the night of the incident. She was accused of racing with Erickson while under the influence, leading to the collision with the boys at nearly 73 mph in a crosswalk in Westlake Village. Rebecca is currently serving 15 years to life for second-degree murder.

Panish challenged Dr. Grossman’s sincerity, emphasizing a lack of prior apologies. In response, Dr. Grossman claimed it was not the first time he expressed remorse. He admitted Rebecca’s involvement in the deaths was accidental. The jury had previously concluded Grossman and Erickson were both negligent and acted with malice, playing a role in the crash.

In court, Panish pointed to inconsistencies in Dr. Grossman’s statements, highlighting his reluctance to acknowledge his wife’s actions as willful. Rebecca Grossman was tested after the crash and registered a blood alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit in California. The jury awarded damages for both compensatory and emotional distress split between Grossman and Erickson.

The legal proceedings extend beyond the civil trial, as Rebecca Grossman faces several convictions, including two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death. Her appeal to the state Supreme Court is ongoing.

Witnesses reported that the couple had been drinking at a local restaurant before the collision. The boys were in a crosswalk with their family when Grossman’s vehicle, owned by Peter Grossman, struck them. Erickson narrowly avoided hitting the children.

Panish argued that punitive damages are necessary to penalize both Grossman and Erickson and to convey the seriousness of their actions. He questioned potential asset concealment, citing property transfers and financial dealings potentially aimed at protecting assets from the Iskander family.

The tension between Panish and Dr. Grossman continued, with the judge urging the doctor to respond strictly based on factual information. During one exchange, Dr. Grossman was reminded of derogatory remarks he made about Nancy Iskander, revealed through a recorded prison call.

The judge expects jury deliberations on the punitive phase to commence on Tuesday, as the trial progresses in determining further consequences for Grossman and Erickson.