Jury finds Grossman, Erickson liable for $176 million in boys’ tragedy

A Van Nuys jury delivered a stunning $176 million verdict Tuesday against socialite Rebecca Grossman and former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson in a civil lawsuit over the 2020 deaths of Mark and Jacob Iskander in Westlake Village.

The jury held both defendants equally liable for compensatory damages in the tragic crosswalk crash that killed 11-year-old Mark and 8-year-old Jacob on September 29, 2020. The brothers were struck while crossing Triunfo Canyon Road at Saddle Mountain Drive with their mother Nancy and younger brother Zachary.

Record-Breaking Damages for Westlake Village Tragedy

The $176 million award breaks down as follows: $59 million for Mark's death, $48 million for Jacob's death, $35 million for Nancy Iskander's emotional distress, and $34 million for emotional distress suffered by surviving son Zachary, who was 5 at the time of the crash.

The jury also found Rebecca Grossman's husband, Dr. Peter Grossman, liable for the full amount since he owned the Mercedes SUV his wife was driving and had given her permission to use it, according to ABC7.

"When you read your verdict, you will speak the truth of what these boys meant to this community," family attorney Brian Panish told jurors during closing arguments, according to The Acorn.

Punitive Damages Phase Still Ahead

The civil trial will continue with a punitive damages phase after the jury determined both Grossman and Erickson acted with malice. This finding could result in additional financial penalties designed to punish wrongdoing and deter similar behavior.

"We have more work to do, and we'll do our talking tomorrow," Panish said after the verdict was read, referring to the upcoming punitive damages deliberations, Courthouse News Service reported.

The plaintiffs had originally sought $439 million in damages, arguing that Grossman and Erickson were racing their SUVs at up to 80 mph in a 45 mph zone after consuming cocktails earlier that evening.

Westlake Village Community Cleared of Liability

Notably, the jury rejected arguments that the City of Westlake Village bore responsibility for the crash. Grossman's attorney Esther Holm had argued the crosswalk design was dangerous, spanning 70 feet and lacking visibility for drivers approaching around a curve.

The verdict represents a significant victory for the Iskander family, which has received overwhelming community support since the tragedy. The Westlake Village community has held multiple vigils and memorial walks to honor the boys' memory.

Criminal Case Background

Grossman is currently serving 15 years to life in state prison after being convicted of second-degree murder and other charges in February 2024. ABC7 reports that a California Court of Appeal upheld her conviction in March 2026.

Erickson avoided criminal charges by agreeing to film a public service announcement about safe driving. He was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving but the case was dismissed through judicial diversion.

What's Next for the Family

The Iskander family has established the Mark and Jacob Foster Care Ministry as part of their charitable efforts to honor their sons' memory. The family continues to heal from the trauma, with Nancy and Zachary having witnessed the fatal collision.

"Part of me is simply dead. Part of my heart is gone," Nancy Iskander testified during the civil trial, describing the ongoing impact of losing her sons.

The punitive damages phase will determine if additional financial penalties will be imposed on the defendants for their conduct on that tragic September evening.