Fraser Michael Bohm, a 22-year-old Malibu resident, has been ordered to stand trial for murder and vehicular manslaughter charges. He is accused of causing a high-speed crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on October 17, 2023, that resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine University students. The victims, Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, were all seniors at Pepperdine’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts and members of the Alpha Phi sorority. They received their degrees posthumously.
According to prosecutors, Bohm was driving between 93 mph and 104 mph when he crashed into three parked vehicles on a section of PCH known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” Bohm’s defense claims that he was involved in a road-rage incident, which led to the crash. However, prosecutors argue that there is no evidence supporting this claim. A witness testified that Bohm’s vehicle accelerated just before the crash, and data from the car’s “black box” indicated the high speed.
The crash has sparked discussions on improving safety along PCH, which has a history of accidents. Malibu officials are considering measures such as speed cameras and increased enforcement to prevent future tragedies. The parents of the deceased students have filed lawsuits against various entities, including the state and city, claiming negligence in roadway safety.
Bohm, who was initially arrested and then released on bail, will return to the Van Nuys courthouse for arraignment on July 1.
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