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Judge Refuses to Dismiss Murder Counts in Malibu PCH Crash That Killed Four Pepperdine Students

The judge cited evidence of extreme speed with no proof of road rage as enough to take the case to trial.

Overview

  • Fraser Michael Bohm, 24, faces four counts each of murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence stemming from the Oct. 17, 2023 crash on Pacific Coast Highway.
  • Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson found sufficient evidence to proceed, emphasizing speeds near or above 100 mph, the absence of a road-rage incident, and Bohm’s familiarity with the hazardous roadway.
  • Prosecutors say vehicle data show stability control engaged at 93 mph and that Bohm continued accelerating to about 104 mph, supporting an implied-malice theory.
  • Defense attorney Alan Jackson argues that speed alone cannot prove implied malice and says the team will seek appellate review of the ruling.
  • Bohm remains free on $4 million bail as the court plans to set a trial date at a January 14 hearing, and the four victims were Pepperdine seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.