Judge Denies Reduced Bail for Driver Accused in Fatal Crash
LOS ANGELES – A judge in California has declined to lower the bail for a BMW driver implicated in the deaths of four Pepperdine University students. The judge emphasized that the court isn’t responsible for helping the defendant afford his high-profile attorney.
Fraser Baum, 23, is facing charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter after the tragic incident which claimed the lives of the students.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson rejected a plea from Alain Jackson, Baum’s attorney known for representing well-known figures like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.
Jackson, who was hired by Baum’s family in June, stated that they had sold their home and drained their retirement savings to fund his legal representation. He also mentioned that bond companies have frozen their collateral from the house, hindering the family’s ability to cover costs for evidence collection and expert witnesses needed for the case.
In response, Judge Rubinson pointed out that Baum’s bail had already been significantly reduced from an initial $8 million. He stated that if the family is as financially strapped as they claim, they could consider public defense options available to them.
The judge also remarked that hiring private advisors and expert witnesses is more of a privilege than a right.
Rubinson noted, “There are plenty of defendants awaiting trial in county jail who would love a bail reduction to afford private attorneys like Alan Jackson. That’s not how this process works.”
Tracy Rollston, whose daughter Niam was one of the victims, was present at the hearing and expressed her satisfaction with the bail amount remaining at $4 million. “We’re glad it’s not lower. It’s been two years, and we’re just waiting for justice,” she shared.
Baum’s attorney, Jackson, maintained optimism as he left the courtroom, remarking that the judge’s decision wouldn’t deter their defense efforts, and they were eager to clarify the facts in court.
Jackson is fresh off a win from a previous case in 2022 when he secured an acquittal for accusations against him related to a Boston police officer.
Prosecutors allege that Baum was speeding at 104 mph along a notoriously dangerous stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway when he lost control of the vehicle, colliding with the students who were walking back from a night out.
Last month, Baum pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, suggesting that his previous lawyer was misled by a claim of road rage from another driver. However, the LA County District Attorney’s Office contends that there’s no credible evidence to support the road rage allegation.
Baum’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 8th.
