Accused Driver in Malibu Fatal Crash Appears in Court

Fraiser Bohm, 23, the driver implicated in a deadly crash that killed four Pepperdine University seniors, made his court appearance Wednesday. Represented by renowned defense attorney Alan Jackson—known for defending high-profile figures—Bohm pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter.

He faces allegations of driving over 100 mph, losing control of his luxury vehicle on a dangerous stretch of Pacific Coast Highway, and hitting three parked cars. The collision then struck the four women walking nearby, all of whom died at the scene. Two other individuals were injured, although Bohm was uninjured.

Initially, Bohm was held on an $8 million bail, later reduced after his former attorney claimed he was a victim of road rage. Prosecutors, however, maintain that Bohm intentionally accelerated to 104 mph and lost control, making the incident a deliberate act rather than an accident.

The victims, all seniors at Pepperdine, died instantly. Their photos show Niamh Rolston (20), Peyton Stewart (21), Asha Weir (21), and Deslyn Williams (21). The tragic event occurred during a high-speed chase that prosecutors say was avoidable.

Bohm’s legal team plans to challenge several aspects of the case, with a trial unlikely before the end of 2025. He is facing potential life sentences if convicted and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on September 5.