Malibu Man to Stand Trial on Murder Charges in Fatal Crash that Killed Four Pepperdine Students
A somber legal battle is set to unfold in California as Fraser Bohm, a 23-year-old resident of Malibu, has been ordered by a judge to stand trial on charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter. The charges stem from a devastating crash that occurred approximately a year and a half ago, claiming the lives of four Pepperdine University students. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving families and friends grappling with unimaginable loss.
The tragic event unfolded on October 17, 2023, on a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) notorious for its treacherous curves and known locally as "Dead Man’s Curve." According to prosecutors, Bohm was allegedly driving at an excessive speed, estimated to be between 93 and 104 miles per hour, in an area where the speed limit was a mere 45 mph. The prosecution’s case hinges, in part, on data retrieved from the black box of Bohm’s BMW, which purportedly recorded the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash, as reported by FOX 11.
The four victims of the crash were identified as Niamh Rolston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams, 21. All four young women were sorority sisters at Pepperdine University, their lives tragically cut short just as they were embarking on their futures. The impact of their loss has been deeply felt within the university community and beyond, leaving a void that will likely never be filled.
The circumstances surrounding the crash, as described in initial reports, paint a grim picture. Bohm allegedly lost control of his vehicle while speeding along the notorious curve, ultimately colliding with three parked cars. The force of the impact was such that it resulted in the immediate deaths of the four students who were standing near the parked vehicles. The scene that unfolded that evening was one of chaos and devastation, leaving first responders and witnesses shaken by the magnitude of the tragedy.
While the prosecution’s narrative points to reckless speeding as the primary cause of the crash, the defense team is preparing to present a different perspective. Michael Kraut, Bohm’s lawyer from Kraut Law Group, has asserted that the situation is far more complex than it appears. Kraut, a former prosecutor with 15 years of experience, expressed his disbelief that the case had even reached the trial stage, particularly on murder charges. He argued that the evidence, as it stands, does not support the level of culpability required for such serious charges.
Kraut has highlighted inconsistencies in witness accounts and has suggested that other factors may have contributed to the crash. He claims that at least one witness admitted to engaging in a road rage incident, chasing Bohm prior to the collision. This alleged pursuit, according to the defense, may have played a significant role in the events that transpired. Kraut also stated that other witnesses corroborated Bohm’s claim that he was driving closer to 70 mph, rather than the 104 mph alleged by the prosecution.
Furthermore, the defense argues that external factors may have impaired Bohm’s visibility and contributed to his loss of control. Kraut asserted that bright lights were shining directly into Bohm’s eyes, forcing him to swerve. He referenced video evidence allegedly showing another vehicle pulling into the center median, further disrupting Bohm’s line of sight. The lawyer also stated that a woman in front of Bohm reacted to the lights by partially moving into his lane and honking, which startled him and caused him to swerve again, leading to the fatal collision.
The case has drawn parallels to other high-profile incidents involving speeding vehicles in the Los Angeles area. A recent case involving a TikToker whose speeding BMW killed six farmworkers has added to the public scrutiny of reckless driving in the region. In that case, the driver avoided a potential 55-year prison sentence by accepting a plea deal, a decision that sparked outrage among some members of the community who felt the punishment was insufficient.
The upcoming trial of Fraser Bohm is expected to be a complex and emotionally charged affair. The prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to convince the jury that Bohm acted with malice or a reckless disregard for human life, meeting the high standard required for a murder conviction. The defense, on the other hand, will attempt to demonstrate that other factors contributed to the crash and that Bohm’s actions do not warrant the severity of the charges he faces.
Judge Diego H. Edber has scheduled Bohm’s arraignment for July 1, marking the official start of the trial proceedings. As the case moves forward, the focus will be on uncovering the truth behind the tragic events of that October night. The families of the victims are seeking justice for their loved ones, while Bohm maintains his innocence and argues that he should not be held responsible for murder. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have a profound impact on all those involved, underscoring the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability on the road. The legal proceedings will be closely watched by the community, as the court grapples with the difficult task of determining guilt and assigning responsibility in this deeply tragic case.
