Lawyers Push to Dismiss Murder Charges Against BMW Driver in Fatal Crash

Van Nuys, California – Lawyers for Fraser Bohm are asking a judge to dismiss murder charges against him. The 23-year-old is accused of killing four Pepperdine University students in a crash on October 17, 2023, when he allegedly drove over 100 mph in Malibu.

Bohm’s defense attorney, Jacqueline Sparanga, filed a 55-page motion on September 30, arguing that he has been “grossly overcharged.” In her view, the facts presented during a preliminary hearing do not support the murder charges. “We believe he was very overcharged, grossly overcharged. We don’t believe this is a murder case,” Sparanga said in a phone interview.

During the accident, Bohm reportedly lost control of his BMW and struck three parked cars, which then hit the four Alpha Phi Sorority sisters: Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21. All four students died at the scene. Two other people sustained injuries, while Bohm was unharmed.

Initially charged with gross vehicular manslaughter, Bohm faced upgraded charges of four counts of murder a week later. He pleaded not guilty in August. His bail was requested to be lowered from $4 million to $2 million, but Judge Thomas Rubinson denied the request.

Bohm’s family sold their home and drained their retirement accounts to finance his defense, which includes high-profile attorney Alan Jackson. Jackson has previously represented notable clients such as Harvey Weinstein.

A hearing to discuss the motion is set for November 10, as Bohm faces multiple life sentences if convicted.