Bohm murder trial in PCH crash that killed four Pepperdine students postponed to December

By The Malibu Times · Thu Sep 03 2026

The trial of Fraser Michael Bohm, the Malibu man charged with murder in the 2023 Pacific Coast Highway crash that killed four Pepperdine University students, has been postponed until Dec. 1. Bohm, 24, faces four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with the Oct. 17, 2023, crash that killed Pepperdine seniors Niamh Rolston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams, 21.

The four Alpha Phi sorority sisters were walking along PCH when prosecutors allege Bohm, driving a BMW, reached speeds of 104 mph before losing control and striking parked vehicles that then struck the women. All four died at the scene.

Bohm's trial had been scheduled to begin with jury selection Sept. 8. During a Sept. 2 hearing in Van Nuys Superior Court, however, Judge Thomas Rubinson moved the trial to Dec. 1 after the prosecution raised a new theory involving a nitrous oxide canister recovered from Bohm's vehicle.

Prosecutors contend the 10- to 12-pound canister was on Bohm's lap at the time of the crash and may have distracted him. Prosecutors are not alleging that Bohm inhaled nitrous oxide.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson requested additional time to inspect the canister, examine its chain of custody and analyze blood reportedly found on it. Jackson had sought to move the trial to January 2027.

The murder charges are based on a theory of implied malice, with prosecutors alleging Bohm understood the dangers of driving at extreme speeds on PCH. Jackson has argued that the case is overcharged and that excessive speed alone does not establish implied malice.

A judge has twice rejected defense efforts to dismiss the murder charges, most recently in July.

Bohm, who has pleaded not guilty, remains free on $4 million bail. Another pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9.