Four Pepperdine University students tragically lost their lives in a devastating car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The incident occurred when a young driver, Fraser Bohm, allegedly lost control of his BMW while driving at an incredibly high speed of 104 mph in a 45 mph zone. The victims have been identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.
Bohm has been charged with four counts each of malice murder and vehicular manslaughter. Prosecutors argue that he knowingly disregarded the risks associated with his reckless driving, particularly on a stretch of road known as “Dead Man’s Curve” due to its history of fatal accidents. During an interview with detectives, Bohm admitted that he may have been texting at the time of the crash.
Bohm’s defense attorney, Michael Kraut, claims that his client was actually texting at a stop sign when another driver began yelling at him. Kraut argues that Bohm accelerated to get away from the irate driver, ultimately leading to the accident. Despite this defense, the judge deemed the case to be extremely egregious and set bail at $4 million.
It is worth noting that Bohm has no prior traffic violations or history of substance abuse. His attorney emphasizes that he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident. Bohm’s family, who currently reside in an $8.7 million Malibu estate, has expressed a willingness to use the bail money for funeral expenses of the victims.
The collision took place on October 17, resulting in the immediate deaths of the four young women. The charges against Bohm were initially reduced to allow detectives more time to gather evidence. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Pepperdine University is mourning the loss of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. Rolston and Stewart were business majors, while Weir was pursuing a degree in English. Williams’ area of study remains unknown at this time.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences it can have. The community is left in shock and grief as they mourn the untimely loss of these talented young individuals.
