Fraser Bohm Topped 100 mph in Fatal Crash that Killed Four Pepperdine University Students

Fraser Bohm Topped 100 mph in Fatal Crash that Killed Four Pepperdine University Students

In a tragic incident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, an ex-star high school baseball player, Fraser Bohm, 22, has been charged with four counts each of malice murder and vehicular manslaughter. The charges stem from an accident that resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine University sorority sisters: Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.

According to Los Angeles prosecutors, Bohm was traveling at a staggering 104 mph in a 45 mph zone, specifically on the perilous stretch of freeway known as “Dead Man’s Curve.” This area has earned its ominous nickname due to the high number of fatal accidents that have occurred there.

During a court appearance, Bohm entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Nathan Bartos emphasized that Bohm was well aware of the neighborhood’s high concentration of homes and businesses but chose to disregard the risks associated with his excessive speed. Moreover, during an interview with detectives following the crash, Bohm allegedly admitted that he might have been texting while driving.

Bohm’s attorney, Michael Kraut, offered an alternative explanation, suggesting that his client was texting while at a stop sign when another driver began confronting him. Kraut claimed that Bohm accelerated in an attempt to escape the irate driver, ultimately leading to the accident. He added that investigators had identified the other driver but showed no interest in pursuing their involvement.

The defense maintained that Bohm was only traveling at 70 mph at the moment of impact. Kraut also pointed out that Bohm had no history of drug or alcohol use and lacked any prior traffic violations, not even a speeding ticket. As such, Kraut advocated for a lower bail amount.

However, Judge Diego Edber disagreed, citing the “extremely egregious” nature of the case and set bail at $4 million. Kraut persisted in arguing for a lower bail, suggesting that Bohm’s family was prepared to allocate the funds for the victims’ funeral expenses. Reluctantly, Judge Edber agreed to conduct a bail review on the following day.

Bohm has been in custody since his arrest, with bail conditions, if posted, including a prohibition on driving.

The horrific collision transpired on October 17 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Bohm lost control of his BMW, colliding with a row of cars before striking the Pepperdine University students from the Seaver College School of the Arts. Tragically, the young women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Bohm, a former high school baseball prospect who attended Oaks Christian School, initially faced gross vehicular manslaughter charges at the scene but was subsequently released to allow detectives time to build their case.

Bohm resides with his mother in an $8.7 million Malibu estate currently listed for sale, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The BMW involved in the incident was reportedly a gift for Bohm’s 18th birthday, as specified in a 2018 divorce agreement. The down payment for the vehicle was provided by his mother, Brooke Bohm, with the remaining installments to be covered by his father, Chris Bohm, who is employed by a medical technology company.

The tragedy claimed the lives of four promising individuals pursuing their education at Pepperdine University. Niamh Rolston, aged 20, and Peyton Stewart, aged 21, were business majors with Rolston also showcasing talents in gymnastics. Asha Weir, aged 21, hailing from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, was pursuing a degree in English, while the academic focus of Deslyn Williams, aged 21, remained undisclosed.

The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station urges anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Traffic Investigations Office at 818-878-1808 or anonymously reach out to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

CrimeDoor
Author: CrimeDoor

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