Controversial Release: Driver Accused in Tragic Crash Out on Bond
The 22-year-old driver, Fraser Michael Bohm, who was jailed following a crash earlier this month, has been released on bond, as reported by KTLA. The fatal crash occurred on October 17 when the four college seniors were struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by Bohm. Initially arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter, Bohm was released from custody a few hours later as the LA County Sherriffs conducted an investigation.
Bohm was re-arrested on October 24 and charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Pepperdine University students Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. On October 27, around 8:30 p.m., Bohm was released on bond.
Michael Kraut, Fraser Bohm’s defense attorney, has asserted that his client was involved in a road rage incident prior to the crash on Pacific Coast Highway near Duke’s Malibu, a local restaurant approximately three miles west of the crash site, and that Bohm was chased by another driver.
Kraut cited security footage that supports these assertions, adding that the investigation done by the defense knows who drove the other vehicle and claims that authorities may have arrested the wrong person. Kraut stated, “We’ve actually been able to track down who this person is and the person who admitted to a family member that they did drive him off the road.”
Following a court appearance on October 25, where Bohm pleaded not guilty, his bond was reduced from $8 million to $4 million.
Neighbors, Pepperdine officials, and advocates for traffic safety organized demonstrations last week, urging safety enhancements along the perilous roadway. Their proposals include speed cameras, reduced speed limits, and heightened law enforcement patrols.
