Prosecutors are seeking to restrict convicted murderer Rebecca Grossman’s access to phones and visitors following conversations she had from jail. Grossman was found guilty last month of second-degree murder in the deaths of two young boys in a crosswalk in Westlake Village.
Prosecutors claim that Grossman has been engaging in “illegal conduct” during jailhouse phone calls with her family and that her legal team has attempted to tamper with the jurors who convicted her.
Since her guilty verdict, Grossman has been involved in conversations with her daughter and husband, instructing them to release sealed body-camera footage and attempting to influence witnesses and potential testimony.
Mark Iskander, 11, left, and his brother Jacob, 8, are seen in a family photo. The boys were killed in 2020.
(Iskander family photo)
What has Grossman said?
Deputy Dist. Atty. Ryan Gould and colleague Jamie Castro filed a motion detailing Grossman’s jailhouse calls, including instructions to release sealed body-camera footage and influencing potential witnesses.
Grossman’s legal team is also accused of attempting to tamper with jurors, with a private investigator contacting jury members without proper identification.
Juror Number 7 reported that a private investigator working for Grossman attempted to question him about the jury’s verdict outside his home.
Legal experts suggest that Grossman’s actions could result in the loss of privileges in jail or admonishment from the judge.
What do legal experts say?
Defense attorney Lara Yeretsian emphasizes that inmates should only discuss their case with their lawyers to avoid slip-ups like leaking sealed evidence.
Another defense attorney, Louis Shapiro, suggests that Grossman is taking a calculated risk by speaking out, as a new trial may be her only hope.
What are the potential ramifications?
Brandolino could restrict Grossman’s privileges in jail or simply admonish her for her actions. The judge previously warned Grossman about sharing sealed evidence with reporters.
Overall, the judge’s response will depend on how he views Grossman’s behavior in the context of the case.
