Appeal Planned After Judge Denies Motion in Malibu Crash Case
A man from California, who was involved in a fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine University students along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, is planning to appeal a recent court ruling. This ruling rejected his defense’s request to dismiss murder charges against him.
Fraser Bohm, aged 24, is facing four murder charges related to the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, on October 17, 2023.
Just after celebrating his 22nd birthday, Bohm allegedly sped his BMW around a corner and collided with a parked Mazda. The impact sent debris flying, and he continued his reckless path by hitting another parked vehicle, then crashing into a planter and multiple trash cans. Court documents indicate that there were no signs of drugs or alcohol in his system, nor had he been texting just prior to the accident.
“One thing that can’t be disputed is this was a terrible tragedy,” stated Alan Jackson, Bohm’s new defense attorney, in a conversation with Fox News Digital on Tuesday. “Four lives were lost.”
The victims, all senior students, were members of the Alpha Phi sorority. They were walking when the accident happened and were pronounced dead at the scene after responders located them between Bohm’s vehicle and a parked silver car.
Bohm was initially charged with manslaughter, but that was later dropped as the investigation progressed. A week after the crash, murder charges were filed against him.
“This incident did not involve alcohol, drugs, texting or street racing. The Act on Manslaughter Death by Driving a Vehicle was enacted because of incidents like this,” noted Jackson.
“Mr. Bohm and his family are grieving for the victims and their families. However, the California Supreme Court has outlined that speed alone is not enough to constitute murder,” Jackson added.
He further emphasized that there was no smoking gun, so to speak—no drugs, no texting, no racing. The case hinges on the claim that Bohm exceeded the speed limit in a well-known dangerous area. Jackson mentioned they intended to ask the Court of Appeals to reconsider the murder charge, arguing it was unfairly escalated to that level.
The accusations against Bohm state that he was driving at an alarming 164 mph in a zone marked for 45 mph, an area often referred to as “Dead Man’s Curve.”
Jackson contended during the preliminary hearing that the prosecution’s position fell short in proving “implied malice” murder under California laws, which necessitates showing that the accused purposely engaged in conduct that could foreseeably lead to death while ignoring clear dangers.
Prosecutors maintained their stance by arguing Bohm’s decision to drive recklessly on a known hazardous road highlighted intent.
According to reports, Bohm claimed acquaintance with the road, saying he knew it “like the back of his hand.” He was even aware of the risky nature of speeding there, especially after two friends had previously died in crashes.
Witness Victor Calandra, who was driving a blue GMC truck, reported seeing Bohm’s BMW swerving erratically. The defense, however, defended Bohm’s actions as an attempt to evade Calandra, who the defense suggested had a history of road rage that could call his testimony into question.
On Monday, Judge Thomas Rubinson of the Los Angeles County Superior Court dismissed the defense’s claims during a hearing.
Last month, in remembrance of the victims, the city of Malibu hosted a memorial service where they released four white pigeons.
Pepperdine University, where the victims studied, is a private Christian institution perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, drawing students from various backgrounds.
