Rebecca Grossman Confronts Fresh Legal Setback as Former Lover Points Finger
Convicted child killer Rebecca Grossman is encountering a significant legal blow on the eve of her wrongful death trial, as her former MLB star lover has formally attributed responsibility to her for the 2020 collision that resulted in the deaths of two young brothers. In recently filed court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, World Series-winning pitcher Scott Erickson refutes allegations of racing, drinking, or causing the crash, instead explicitly identifying Grossman as the negligent cause of the tragic incident.
Explosive Claims and Intimate Affair Evidence
This dramatic assertion marks a stark departure from the couple's once intimate relationship, during which they exchanged affectionate text messages that may be introduced as evidence in the civil trial scheduled to commence on Monday and anticipated to extend over several weeks. Both Grossman and Erickson, aged 57, are named as defendants in the civil case initiated by parents Nancy and Karim Iskander, who seek to hold them jointly accountable for the deaths of their sons Mark, 11, and Jacob, eight.
The boys were fatally struck by Grossman's speeding white Mercedes at a pedestrian crossing in September 2020. In February 2024, Grossman received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison after a jury convicted her on two counts each of second-degree murder and vehicular manslaughter, along with one count of hit-and-run.
Defense Strategies and Legal Proceedings
During her criminal trial, Grossman's defense attorneys attempted to shift blame onto Erickson, alleging he was racing her in his black Mercedes after they had consumed cocktails together. However, Erickson faced only a misdemeanor reckless driving charge, which was dismissed following his completion of a public service announcement addressing safe driving with high school students.
Despite the absence of criminal charges against Erickson, who was notably absent from Grossman's murder trial, the Iskanders included him in their civil lawsuit, asserting his equal responsibility for the fatal crash. In newly uncovered trial briefs, Erickson's legal team strives to dissociate him from Grossman's guilt and the Iskanders' allegations.
They contend that Erickson was not the cause of the accident, citing no evidence of his vehicle contacting the brothers, deny any racing occurred at the time of the crash, and assert he was not intoxicated or driving under the influence.
Judicial Interventions and Asset Protection Concerns
In additional pre-trial filings, presiding Judge Huey Cotton disclosed that Rebecca Grossman sent him a letter last month, a move deemed legally inappropriate. Judge Cotton described the letter as absolutely unacceptable, sealed it without review, and announced plans for a post-trial hearing where Grossman could face a $10,000 fine.
Furthermore, the judge granted the Iskander attorneys' request for an injunction to prevent Grossman and her husband, renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Grossman, from concealing assets to evade potential damages. The lawsuit names Dr. Grossman as the owner of the Mercedes involved in the crash.
Lawyers highlighted unexplained cash transactions and suspicious property dealings, including the recent transfer of the couple's $13.5 million hilltop mansion in Hidden Hills to the JB Road Trust. Judge Cotton referenced evidence from a recorded jailhouse phone call where the Grossmans discussed protecting their luxury home from the Iskanders' attorney.
During the same conversation, Peter Grossman cautioned Rebecca against discussing their bitcoin holdings to obscure the true extent of their assets from the Iskanders. Such evidence directly indicates intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the Iskanders' ability to collect damages.
Upcoming Trial Details and Witness List
The forthcoming trial will involve prospective jurors completing questionnaires on Monday, with jury selection commencing a week later on April 20. The Iskanders have submitted an extensive list of 107 potential witnesses, including Scott Erickson.
Among the evidence their attorneys may present is unedited footage subpoenaed from Peter Grossman's January podcast interview with TV icon Dr. Phil. On the podcast, Fatal Accident: Inside the Rebecca Grossman Case, Grossman asserted his wife's innocence, instead blaming Erickson, with whom Rebecca had an affair during the Grossmans' separation.
The Iskanders' legal team argued for the production of the Dr. Phil interview, noting that footage edited out for time purposes could be relevant. Peter Grossman's attorney resisted turning over the footage and private communications, claiming they contain personal thoughts, feelings, and opinions not leading to discoverable evidence.
