A 23-year-old man from Malibu, California, has been ordered by a judge to stand trial for murder and vehicle manslaughter following a crash that occurred a year and a half ago.
Fraser Baum was reportedly speeding between 93 and 104 mph in a 45 mph zone when he crashed on the Pacific Coast Highway on October 17, 2023.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of four female students—Niamh Rolston (20), Peyton Stewart (21), Asha Weir (21), and Deslyn Williams (21), all sisters attending Pepperdine University.
Witnesses described Baum speeding just before the accident, which occurred around 8:30 PM on a notorious part of the highway known as “Dead Man’s Curve,” where he collided with three parked cars.
Conflicting reports emerged from witnesses regarding Baum’s driving behavior prior to the crash. His attorney, Michael Kraut, noted that in his lengthy experience, he has never encountered a case leading to a trial for murder under such circumstances.
According to Kraut, the preliminary hearing doesn’t require a very high standard of proof to proceed, meaning it can lead to trial even if reasonable doubts exist.
Interestingly, one witness acknowledged having chased Baum during a road rage incident, which he claimed played a role in the crash.
Kraut further mentioned that some witnesses corroborated Baum’s assertion that he was traveling at around 70 mph instead of 104 mph before the accident.
He elaborated that glare from headlights may have startled Baum, causing him to react unexpectedly, and another driver had shifted lanes, which caught Baum off guard.
Touching on the incident, Kraut expressed that it was a distressing situation for everyone involved, particularly the victims and their families. His client and their family are also reportedly in emotional turmoil over the events.
Baum is set for his arraignment on July 1st, while Fox News Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for further comments.
