It was just a normal Tuesday evening in Westlake Village. The sun was dipping low, and Nancy Iskander was doing what any mom does—getting her kids across the street. She had three of them with her. Mark was 11. Jacob was 8. Little Zachary was only 5. They were in a marked crosswalk at Triunfo Canyon Road and Saddle Mountain Drive.
Then everything changed in a heartbeat.
Two SUVs came screaming down the road, reportedly racing. One was driven by Scott Erickson, a former MLB pitcher. The other, a white Mercedes, was driven by Rebecca Grossman.
Nancy barely had time to grab Zachary and dive out of the way. She heard the impact. She didn't see her older boys.
What Really Happened to Mark and Jacob Iskander
The details that came out during the trial were honestly gut-wrenching. Mark was thrown 254 feet. Think about that for a second. That's nearly the length of a football field. He died right there on the pavement.
Jacob was found near the side of the road. He still had a faint pulse when the paramedics got there, but he didn't make it through the night at Los Robles Hospital.
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People talk about "accidents," but the data from Grossman’s car told a much darker story. She was clocked at 81 mph just seconds before the crash. In a 45 mph zone.
The defense tried to say Erickson hit them first. They claimed Mark "vaulted" from one car to the other. Experts basically laughed that out of court, calling it "mathematically and scientifically impossible." It took years—four long, exhausting years—for the legal system to finally catch up.
The Verdict and the 15-Year Sentence
In February 2024, a jury finally found Rebecca Grossman guilty. Two counts of second-degree murder. Two counts of vehicular manslaughter. One count of hit-and-run.
When the sentencing happened in June 2024, the courtroom was heavy. Nancy Iskander stood up and spoke directly to the woman who killed her sons. She called her a coward. She pointed out that Grossman hadn't even bothered to spell Mark's name right in her legal filings.
"This one you should remember," Nancy told the court. "Your wife killed him. It’s a K."
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The judge, Joseph Brandolino, gave her 15 years to life. A lot of people were mad about that. The prosecutors wanted 34 years. They argued that Grossman showed "narcissistic superiority" and zero remorse. Even after the conviction, there were reports of her trying to tamper with the jury from jail.
Honestly, the legal drama was exhausting to watch. But for the Iskanders, it was never about the drama. It was about the boys.
Beyond the Courtroom: A Legacy in Motion
If you stop the story at the prison sentence, you’re missing the most important part. Nancy and Karim Iskander didn't just sit in their grief. They started the Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation.
They wanted to multiply the kindness the boys had.
- The Orphanage in Egypt: In June 2025, the foundation announced they’d bought a three-story building in El Agami, near Alexandria. Since the family is Coptic Orthodox and adoption is illegal in Egypt, this orphanage provides a home for kids who would otherwise be on the streets.
- The Foster Care Agency: Back home in California, they launched a foster family agency. Nancy has been vocal about how "Jacob was my protector," and now she’s protecting other kids in his name.
- Scholarships: They provide funding for foster kids to attend the same schools the boys loved.
It’s easy to focus on the socialite, the fast cars, and the "implied malice." But when you look at Westlake Village today, the legacy of Mark and Jacob Iskander isn't found in a court transcript.
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It’s in the "Slow Down – Save Lives" signs. It’s in the kids in Egypt who have a bed to sleep in.
Actionable Insights for the Community
The tragedy of the Iskander brothers changed how Southern California looks at street racing and pedestrian safety. If you want to honor their memory or simply make your own neighborhood safer, here is what actually helps:
Advocate for Traffic Calming
Don't wait for a tragedy. Push your local city council for "bulb-outs" (curb extensions) and raised crosswalks in residential areas. These physical barriers force drivers to slow down more effectively than a sign ever will.
Support Local Foster Care
The Mark and Jacob Iskander Foundation is always looking for partners. You don't have to be a foster parent to help; you can donate to their scholarship funds or support the new agency in Ventura County.
Check Your Own Speed
We all get in a rush. But 81 mph in a 45 mph zone isn't a "mistake"—it's a choice. The force of Grossman's car was compared to dropping the boys from a 12-story building. Momentum is a killer.
Stay Informed on Appeals
Legal cases like this often drag on through appeals. Staying engaged with local news ensures that the pressure for accountability remains, even years after the initial headlines fade.
The story of Mark and Jacob is a reminder that while one moment can destroy a family, a lifetime of dedicated work can build something that never disappears.