22-Year-Old Driver Involved in Malibu Collision that Resulted in the Deaths of Four College Students Denies Murder Charges; Bail Set at $4 Million

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Fraser Michael Bohm, the 22-year-old driver responsible for the fatal collision that took the lives of four students from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, entered a plea of not guilty to four counts of murder this past Wednesday. In addition to the murder charges, he also faces four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, as revealed by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón during a press conference. The court hearing, where Bohm denied all eight felony charges, took place a day following his arrest.

According to District Attorney Gascón, investigative findings indicate that Bohm was driving at a speed of 104 mph (approximately 167 kph) in an area of the Pacific Coast Highway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph (around 72 kph). Gascón further stated that evidence suggested that Bohm was fully aware that his actions posed significant risks to human lives and proceeded regardless.

Bohm’s legal representative, Attorney Michael Kraut, spoke to The Big Big News, explaining that the accident happened while his client was being pursued in a road rage encounter. Kraut elaborated that Bohm had been texting at a traffic light when he was verbally accosted by a man in another vehicle who then began to follow him. According to Kraut, this individual forced Bohm off the road after colliding with his car. Bohm subsequently passed all administered field sobriety tests and has no history of criminal activity, not even a traffic violation, Kraut added.

Contradicting this account, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Arens announced during the press conference that the investigation had found no evidence to suggest that the fatal crash was a consequence of a road rage episode.

Initially arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the tragic event on October 17, Bohm was released a day later as investigators continued to gather more evidence, according to a sheriff’s department statement. The evidence collection process, which included toxicology tests and speed analysis among other factors, necessitated additional time, the statement elaborated.

Originally, Bohm’s bail was established at $8 million but was subsequently reduced to $4 million, as confirmed by the District Attorney’s office.

Pepperdine University disclosed the names of the deceased as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. All were in their final year at the Seaver College of Liberal Arts. Authorities report that these students were walking along the road a few miles from their campus around 8:30 p.m. when Bohm lost control of his vehicle, sideswiping at least three parked cars before crashing into the students and injuring two others. The four students were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured were transported to a nearby hospital.

In a statement, the Sheriff’s Department declared its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims’ families.

The deceased students had various academic interests: Weir was an English major from Philadelphia, whereas Rolston and Stewart, from Los Angeles and New York respectively, were studying business. Williams hailed from a suburb of Atlanta and had contemplated a career in veterinary medicine.

During a prayer service on campus last week, Provost Jay Brewster memorialized the students as “bright lights with promise and aspirations.”

The catastrophic incident has reignited discussions concerning the need for enhanced safety measures on the Pacific Coast Highway segment west of Los Angeles, commonly referred to as “Dead Man’s Curve.”

Bohm, who celebrated his 22nd birthday just a day prior to the accident, was an athlete in his high school years, receiving positive coverage in a 2017 Los Angeles Times article.

Should Bohm be found guilty of the charges leveled against him, he could potentially face multiple life sentences, as stated by the District Attorney’s office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malibu fatal crash

More about Malibu fatal crash

• Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Statement
• Pepperdine University Official Announcement
• Pacific Coast Highway Safety Measures Report
• CBS Los Angeles Coverage on Victims
• Sheriff’s Department Official Press Release
• Legal Consequences of Vehicular Manslaughter in California
• Previous Coverage of Fraser Michael Bohm in Los Angeles Times
• Road Rage Incidents Statistics in California