Overview
- Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson rejected the defense bid to toss the case, keeping four murder counts and four vehicular manslaughter counts with gross negligence in place.
- Prosecutors contend Fraser Michael Bohm was speeding excessively and driving recklessly when he crashed into three parked vehicles on Oct. 17, 2023.
- Defense attorneys Alan Jackson, Kelly Quinn, and Jacqueline Sparagna argue the evidence is insufficient for murder and plan to raise a fleeing, road‑rage scenario.
- Authorities say Bohm swerved onto the north shoulder of westbound PCH, causing parked cars to strike four Pepperdine students walking along the shoulder after exiting a vehicle.
- The victims — Niamh Rolston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams, 21 — were seniors and Alpha Phi members, and the dangerous stretch known as “Dead Man’s Curve” has drawn renewed calls for safety fixes.