Full Breakdown
Royce Clayton Testifies in Civil Trial Over 2020 Westlake Village Crash
5/3/2026, 1:39:04 PM
Background
On Sept 29, 2020, Grossman’s SUV struck Mark (11) and Jacob (8) Iskander at a crosswalk on Triunfo Canyon Road. Grossman and boyfriend Scott Erickson had been drinking before heading home. Iskanders sued; Royce Clayton testified about Erickson’s call after the crash. Grossman’s attorney is Esther Holm; Brian Panish represents the Iskanders.
Timeline
Crash Sept 29, 2020 -> Criminal conviction Feb 2024 -> Sentencing June 2024 -> Civil trial began May 1, 2026 with Clayton’s testimony; Erickson scheduled to testify later.
Data & Statistics
Victims: Mark Iskander, 11, and Jacob Iskander, 8. Prosecutors say Grossman was traveling 81 mph in a 45-mph zone. Criminal sentence: 15 years to life (max 34). The civil suit seeks liability and damages from both defendants.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors say Grossman drove at 81 mph and struck the boys. Grossman’s lawyer Esther Holm asserts she never saw the children and did not flee. The defense contends Erickson’s black SUV hit first, noting he was not called to testify. Brian Panish referenced Erickson’s description that they were “racing or driving fast.” Grossman expressed that she never saw the children and said she would carry the remorse with her until her dying breath.
Criticism & Opposition
The defense argues Erickson’s SUV struck first and that the speed was not reckless. Clayton’s testimony counters, stressing Erickson’s account that Grossman was traveling at a high rate of speed and that Erickson should be held accountable.
On-the-Ground Reports
An ER technician who performed CPR recalled hearing Nancy Iskander’s cries and needing therapy after deaths. Clayton said he drove past the wreck, saw Grossman’s smashed SUV and her on curb, and noted Erickson watching from behind a bush.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors allege Grossman traveled 81 mph, but Clayton only reported Erickson’s vague “high rate of speed” description without confirming the figure. The defense says Erickson’s SUV hit first, yet he was not called to testify in the criminal case, leaving a factual gap. Both sides dispute whether Grossman saw the children in the crosswalk.
Verbatim Quotes
"My deepest condolences will always be with the family." — Royce Clayton, former MLB shortstop
"The right thing to do would have been to stop." — Royce Clayton, former MLB shortstop
"God knows that I never saw anybody." — Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation
"I will carry this with me (until) my dying breath." — Rebecca Grossman, co-founder of the Grossman Burn Foundation
"He wasn’t himself, as I can only imagine going through what he witnessed." — Royce Clayton, former MLB shortstop
"All I know is how he explained it to me — I don’t know if he used the word racing — but they were traveling at a high rate of speed. She was directly behind him. And he said as they came up to this crosswalk, he saw the children." — Royce Clayton, former MLB shortstop
What's Next
Erickson is slated to testify later in the trial, after which the jury will decide liability and any monetary damages owed by both defendants to the Iskander family.
