Overview
- The civil trial, which opened Friday in a Van Nuys courtroom, centers on parents' claims that Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson were street racing after drinking when the boys were hit.
- Plaintiffs cited data from Grossman's Mercedes indicating roughly 70 to 80 mph before impact and noted a test showed her blood alcohol was 0.08% about three hours after the crash.
- Grossman's lawyer says she was not impaired or racing and highlights a dark, curved crosswalk that the city had not equipped with warning lights despite prior concerns.
- Erickson's attorney says he drove about 50 to 55 mph, chose to speed up to clear the crossing, did not strike the children, and will take the stand in this civil case.
- Grossman is serving 15 years to life after a 2024 murder conviction upheld in March, and this six- to eight-week civil trial could apportion damages between her and Erickson.