4 Murder Charges Filed Against Driver In PCH Crash That Killed Pepperdine Students

MALIBU, CA — The driver suspected of killing four women in a Pacific Coast Highway crash last week has been charged with four counts of murder, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Fraser Michael Bohm, 22, of Malibu, was booked on the charges Tuesday afternoon. His bail was set at $8 million, deputies said.

Authorities say Bohm was driving westbound on PCH on Oct. 17 around 8:30 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle, swerved toward the north side to PCH and collided with three parked vehicles. Those vehicles hit four women who were standing on the side of the road: Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.

The four Pepperdine University seniors died from traumatic injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Bohm, who suffered minor injuries, was initially arrested on suspicion of four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and was released. Deputies in a news release Tuesday said that the more severe charges came after an ongoing investigation that included toxicology, speed analysis and execution of search warrants.

That evidence supported the murder charges, deputies said.

"These types of traffic investigations are very extensive and there are various investigative factors that are involved. Our detectives worked diligently to compile all the evidence needed so they could file the maximum charges allowed under California law," reads the release.

Bohm was scheduled to appear in court in Van Nuys on Wednesday.

Jail records show Bohm turned 22 one day before the crash.

The crash has prompted discussion of improving safety on PCH. Officials and residents convened at the City Council meeting Monday to discuss a range of options, including increased California Highway Patrol presence and lowering speed limits on the highway.