Los Angeles, California — A judge has upheld murder charges against Fraser Michael Bohm, maintaining the proceedings surrounding a tragic car crash that resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine University students. The decision came during a court hearing Monday, where Judge Thomas Rubinson denied a motion from the defense to dismiss the allegations, affirming earlier rulings that allow the case to proceed to trial.
Bohm, now 24, was just 22 at the time of the deadly incident that unfolded on October 17, 2023. Prosecutors allege that he lost control of his vehicle in a 45 mph zone along the Pacific Coast Highway, colliding with parked cars and ultimately striking the four victims: Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, who were all 20 to 21 years old.
Defense lawyers argue that the crash was a result of panic caused by an aggressive driver, claiming that Bohm was merely trying to evade a dangerous situation. However, officials have contested this narrative, suggesting that it does not reflect the circumstances of the crash. The defense, led by attorneys Alan Jackson, Kelly Quinn, and Jacqueline Sparagna, maintains that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the murder charges.
In a related ruling, the judge authorized the defense’s request to obtain GPS and other data from the phone of Victor Calandra, a key witness for the prosecution. Calandra has indicated that he attempted to warn Bohm about his driving at a stoplight shortly before the crash, describing a tense exchange that he believes reflects Bohm’s erratic behavior.
Calandra’s attorney explained that his client expressed concern for the safety of others in that moment and was frustrated by Bohm’s reaction following the collision. “The defendant’s first words were about calling his mother,” the attorney said, highlighting a perceived lack of concern for the victims.
Bohm was initially arrested shortly after the crash, then released, before being taken back into custody eight days later when formal charges were filed. He is currently out on bail as the case awaits its next court session.
The trial is set to resume in January, where a date for the proceedings is anticipated. The tragedy has reverberated through the Pepperdine community, which has honored the deceased students posthumously with degrees, recognizing their potential and contributions as members of the Class of 2024.
