California Man to Face Trial for Fatal High-Speed Crash
A California man has been ordered to stand trial on charges of murder and manslaughter related to a tragic car accident that resulted in the deaths of four sorority sisters from Pepperdine University two years ago.
The collision occurred on October 17, 2021, on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, around 8:30 PM.
Prosecutors allege that Fraser Baum, then 20, was driving his BMW at speeds between 93 and 104 mph in a 45 mph zone. The crash took place on a notoriously dangerous stretch of highway known as “Dead Man’s Curve.”
However, Baum’s attorney, Michael Kraut, contends that witnesses support his client’s claim of driving only 70 mph at the time of the accident. Kraut asserts that this assertion is backed by the facts presented.
One witness even admitted to racing Baum along the highway, suggesting their actions may have contributed to the fatal incident.
Kraut noted that another driver had bright lights aimed at Baum, forcing him to maneuver unexpectedly, which is shown in a video. According to him, the woman ahead saw the lights, changed lanes abruptly, and caught Baum off guard, leading to the crash.
Baum asserts he swerved after a white car crossed into his lane, striking his side mirror and causing him to crash into parked vehicles.
Nonetheless, the female driver of the white Honda Civic claimed she had no contact with Baum’s BMW before his vehicle collided with parked cars. Reports indicated that there was no visible damage to her vehicle.
The crash ultimately involved Baum colliding with three parked vehicles and four college students—Niam Rollston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams, 21—who were on the roadside after exiting their car. All four members of the Alpha Phi Sorority tragically lost their lives.
They were seniors in Seaver College at Pepperdine, with plans to graduate in 2024. They have since been awarded posthumous degrees.
The prosecutor emphasized that the four young women died as a direct result of Baum’s reckless driving.
Last week, Judge Diego H. Edver decided that Baum would indeed face trial on charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter. He is confronting four counts of each charge.
Baum is required to return to Van Nuys Court on July 1 regarding the case.
Kraut reflected on the tragedy, stating, “This is horrifying for everyone involved, especially the victims’ families. My client feels immense distress over being implicated in something so tragic.”
