Bail for BMW Driver Accused of Fatal Malibu Crash Remains Unchanged

A judge in California has declined to reduce bail for Fraser Bohm, the 23-year-old suspect charged with the deaths of four college students in Malibu. The court emphasized that bail decisions are not influenced by the defendant’s legal representation costs.

Bohm faces charges of murder and vehicular manslaughter after allegedly driving over 100 mph and causing a crash that killed Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. The accident occurred as the students were walking home after an evening out.

Attorneys representing Bohm had requested a reduction of bail from $4 million to $2 million. Lawyer Alan Jackson, known for defending high-profile clients including Harvey Weinstein and Karen Read, argued that Bohm’s family could not afford the current bond, claiming they had sold their home and exhausted their savings to fund his defense. He also stated that collateral from a home sale had been frozen, hindering their ability to gather evidence to support Bohm’s case.

Four Pepperdine students — (L-R) Deslyn Williams, Niamh Rolston, Asha Weir, and Peyton Stewart.
Pepperdine University

However, Judge Thomas Rubinson noted that the bail had already been lowered from an initial $8 million and suggested the family could utilize publicly funded legal aid if they are truly unable to pay. The judge remarked, “There are many defendants in jail who would prefer private counsel, but that’s not how bail works.”

Family members of the victims, including Niamh Rolston’s mother Tracy, expressed relief that the bail remained at $4 million, viewing it as a step toward justice after two years of waiting.

Aftermath of the crash — aftermath of the crash that resulted in four student deaths.
FOX 11

Jackson stated that the judge’s decision would not deter their defense team, which is eager to reveal the truth. He recently achieved a notable victory in another high-profile case, securing the acquittal of Karen Read.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, maintain that Bohm was allegedly driving recklessly at 104 mph when he lost control, hitting the students who had been walking home. Bohm pleaded not guilty to the charges, asserting that he was pursued by another driver in a road rage incident, a claim the district attorney’s office disputes due to lack of evidence.

The next court appearance is scheduled for October 8.