Former MLB player Royce Clayton testifies about call with Scott Erickson after fatal crash that killed two young brothers
Former Major League Baseball player Royce Clayton testified Friday about a brief phone call he had with former MLB pitcher Scott Erickson shortly after a 2020 crash that killed two young brothers, describing what Erickson allegedly told him in the minutes following the incident.
Clayton told the court he was dining with Erickson and Rebecca Grossman shortly before the crash and had planned to drive separately to Grossman’s home. About 15 to 20 minutes after the collision, Clayton said he received a four-minute call from Erickson in which he was told not to come over because there had been an accident.
Grossman is currently serving a 15-year-to-life sentence after being convicted in 2024 of second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and his 8-year-old brother Jacob. Their family has also filed a civil lawsuit alleging Grossman and Erickson were racing before the crash, which they say led to the fatal collision.
During testimony, Clayton said Erickson described traveling at high speed and said he swerved as he approached a crosswalk where he saw the children, before looking back and seeing Grossman’s SUV strike them. Clayton became emotional while recounting the conversation, briefly breaking down in court and prompting a recess.
After the break, Clayton added that Erickson went on to Grossman’s home after the crash and later returned toward the scene, where he said he was “on the side of the road in a bush.”
Witnesses in the case have previously testified that both vehicles were speeding and appeared to be racing down a two-lane road before reaching the intersection. Data from Grossman’s vehicle reportedly showed speeds of up to 81 miles per hour. Defense attorneys have denied claims that the two were racing.
Clayton, who has testified multiple times in prior proceedings, including Grossman’s criminal trial, has previously discussed details of the night, including alcohol consumption at a restaurant before the crash. Friday’s questioning focused more narrowly on what Erickson specifically said during the phone call.
Pressed by attorneys on whether Erickson used the word “racing,” Clayton said he could not clearly recall the exact wording. At times frustrated during questioning, he said it did not matter which phrase was used, emphasizing that Erickson described driving at high speed.
Under cross-examination, Clayton conceded he did not remember Erickson’s exact words, though he maintained that the description conveyed fast and dangerous driving.
Clayton also addressed his relationship with Erickson, saying the crash strained their friendship. He said he no longer speaks with him regularly and has criticized what he views as a lack of accountability.
At the same time, Clayton acknowledged his own role in how events unfolded and said the situation was complicated, noting that he still considers Erickson a friend in some capacity.
The trial, now in its second week, is expected to last about two months. Erickson is expected to testify at a later stage, marking the first time he would publicly address his account of the crash.
Comments
Post a Comment