Malibu man to stand trial for murder in high-speed crash that left 4 Pepperdine students dead

A 23-year-old resident of Malibu, California, has been ordered by a judge to face trial on charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter following a crash from a year and a half ago that resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine students.

Prosecutors allege Fraser Bohm was driving at speeds between 93 and 104 mph in an area with a 45 mph speed limit when his vehicle crashed on Pacific Coast Highway on October 17, 2023. This is according to his BMW’s “black box” data, as reported by FOX 11.

Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, who were all sorority sisters, were killed in the crash. 

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., with Bohm purportedly speeding along a section of the Pacific Coast Highway known as “Dead Man’s Curve,” where he collided with three parked cars.

“It’s a very low standard to make it through the preliminary hearing to bind you for trial,” he added. “It’s not the highest standard, which is beyond a reasonable doubt, at trial.”

Kraut said one of the witnesses admitted to chasing Bohm in a road rage incident he says contributed to the crash. 

Mother and daugther pose with inset of four women.

Tracy Rolston, far left, lost her daughter, Niahm Rolston, in a 2023 Malibu collision when driver Fraser Bohm allegedly struck her and three sorority sisters. Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams were also killed in the crash.  (Courtesy of Tracy Rolston/ Instagram)

He added that witnesses corroborated his client’s claim that he was going “70 miles an hour, not 104,” before the crash, “and every fact that he gave was corroborated.”

Kraut added, “There was somebody who had their lights shining directly into his eyes, and he had to move over, and that was shown on a video where somebody pulled into the center median.” 

The lawyer added a “woman who was in front of him saw those lights, and she moved over part of the lane and honked at him, and that startled him and that moved him in. And that’s when the crash happened.”

Fraser Bohm's family leaves court

The family of Fraser Bohm leave his bail review in 2023.  (Splash News for Fox News Digital)

“This is a horrible, horrible case for everybody — the victims, families,” he said. “It’s a horrific event. And my client’s family and my client feel distraught over what happened. But the issue is holding my client responsible for the level of crime, if any, that he committed, not just going to the top for murder.” 

Superior Court Judge Diego H. Edber scheduled Bohm’s arraignment for July 1. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles County DA’s office for comment. 

You May Also Like
Chicago crime: Suspect Merlin Lu, 21, charged with hate crime, arson for burning cross in Grant Park, police say

Chicago Police Charge 21-Year-Old Merlin Lu With Hate Crime, Arson After Cross Burning in Grant Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 21-year-old Chicago man is facing a series of…
Jonathan Wilson charged in Uptown, Chicago police shooting on Argyle after condo board president shot, killed: CPD

Jonathan Wilson charged after fatal shooting of condo board president in Uptown, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 38-year-old Chicago man is facing multiple felony charges,…
Man killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular New York City tourist destination

Man Dies After Horse-Drawn Carriage Flips Near Central Park in New York City

An 18-year-old tourist from India was killed Wednesday after a horse-drawn carriage…
President Donald Trump delays nomination hearing for own director of intelligence, or DNI, nominee Jay Clayton amid FISA lapse

Trump Delays Jay Clayton DNI Hearing as FISA Lapse Sparks Intelligence Oversight Questions

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his own nominee’s confirmation…
Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey, Ali Wong to guest star on final season of 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'

Mariah Carey, Chloe Bailey and Ali Wong Set to Guest Star in Final Season of ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’

Disney+ has unveiled the lineup of guest stars set to appear in…
Elon Musk demands prison for politicians who 'turned a blind eye' to grooming gangs as new report released

Elon Musk Calls for Jail Time for Politicians Who Ignored Grooming Gangs, Explosive New Report Reveals

Elon Musk thrust Britain’s grooming gangs scandal back into the international spotlight…
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady amid resurgent inflation

Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady as Inflation Pressures Reemerge

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday as…
Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA

DA: Rex Heuermann’s Alleged Gilgo Beach ‘Dexter’-Style Kill Room Reveals Major Investigative Mistakes

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, who will spend the rest of his…
Streator, Illinois City Council approves emergency declaration as tornado recovery continues

Streator City Council Approves Emergency Declaration as Tornado Recovery Efforts Continue

Streator city leaders have unanimously approved an emergency declaration as the community…
Jeanine Pirro calls out 'dirtbags' after 14 charged in alleged cocaine ring operating feet from a schoolyard

Jeanine Pirro Slams Alleged Cocaine Ring Near Schoolyard as 14 Are Charged

Jeanine Pirro reveals DC police officers manipulated crime stats to make city…
South Carolina personal trainer goes missing, last spotted walking toward wooded area

SLED Joins Investigation After Body Found Matches Description of Missing South Carolina Personal Trainer

South Carolina’s lead investigative agency, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), joined…
Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras

Jeff Metcalf Breaks His Silence on Son Austin’s Death—How His Family Is Finding Strength and Moving Forward

FRISCO, Texas — Jeff Metcalf, whose son Austin Metcalf was killed in…