California Socialite Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for 2020 Deaths of Young Brothers
On Thursday, a California socialite was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for causing the deaths of two young brothers in a car crash while driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Olivia Culpo, 30, a former Miss Universe and reality television personality, was found guilty in January of two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of felony hit-and-run. The tragic incident occurred on November 20, 2020, in Lake Arrowhead, California. Culpo was driving her Range Rover when she struck a car carrying 11-year-old Elijah and 13-year-old Gavin Cota. The brothers were walking home from school at the time. Investigators determined that Culpo was traveling at an excessive speed and had a blood alcohol level of 0.20%, more than twice the legal limit. She also tested positive for cocaine. After the crash, Culpo fled the scene and did not return to her vehicle for several hours. When she was questioned by police, she claimed that she had been drinking vodka and had taken a Xanax before driving. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Culpo had a history of reckless driving and had been arrested for DUI in the past. They also argued that she showed a lack of remorse for her actions. Culpo’s defense attorney maintained that she was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash and that she did not intentionally leave the scene. They also presented evidence that she had suffered from mental health issues and had been taking medication for anxiety. In sentencing Culpo, Judge David Cohn said that her actions were “reckless, selfish, and beyond irresponsible.” He called her sentence “just and necessary” and said that he hoped it would serve as a deterrent to others who drive under the influence. The Cota family expressed their heartbreak and anger over the loss of their sons. They said that Culpo’s sentence was too lenient and that she should have received the maximum possible sentence of 25 years to life. Culpo will be eligible for parole in 15 years.Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal Car Crash
Rebecca Grossman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Fatal Car Crash
A Southern California socialite, Rebecca Grossman, was sentenced on Monday to 15 years to life in prison for the deaths of two young brothers in a crosswalk over three years ago. According to authorities, Grossman, the wife of a prominent Los Angeles burn doctor, fatally struck Mark Iskander, 11, and his brother Jacob, 8, while speeding. A Los Angeles jury found Grossman guilty in February on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and one count of hit-and-run resulting in death. Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino sentenced her to two concurrent prison terms of 15 years to life, plus three years for fleeing the scene of the crash. The judge described Grossman’s actions as “reckless and undoubtedly negligent.” The fatal crash occurred in September 2020 in Westlake Village. Prosecutors presented evidence that the data recorder in Grossman’s Mercedes showed she was traveling at a speed of up to 80 miles per hour and braked to 70 miles per hour before the collision. The impact killed the brothers and deployed the vehicle’s airbags. Grossman fled the scene after the crash but was apprehended a short time later. She has been in custody since her arrest. The Associated PressIn a tragic incident, a California socialite has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for causing the deaths of two young brothers in 2020. The defendant, Rebecca Grossman, was driving under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her car into the victims’ vehicle, killing 11-year-old Ethan Reyes and 8-year-old Aaden Reyes. Grossman fled the scene of the accident but was apprehended shortly after. At trial, she was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and hit-and-run. During the sentencing hearing, the victims’ family expressed their grief and devastation over the loss of their beloved children. The judge presiding over the case stated that Grossman’s actions were “reckless and selfish,” and that she “showed no regard for the safety of others.” The defense had argued for leniency, citing Grossman’s lack of prior convictions and her remorse for her actions. However, the prosecution emphasized the severity of the crime and the irreparable harm caused to the victims’ family. The sentence imposed reflects the gravity of Grossman’s conduct and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
