Key Takeaways:

• Fraser Bohm, 23, is facing four murder charges after a fatal car crash.
• His lawyers say he was “grossly overcharged” and want the case dismissed.
• A 55-page court motion was filed challenging parts of an earlier hearing.
• Bohm’s crash killed four Pepperdine University students in October 2023.

Is Fraser Bohm’s Murder Case Too Harsh?

The BMW crash driver, Fraser Bohm, is back in the spotlight. His legal team now says he should not be facing four murder charges related to a deadly crash near Pepperdine University. They claim the charges are too extreme for what happened.

Bohm, who is 23, was accused of driving out of control along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. His car hit four female students from Pepperdine, killing all of them at the scene. The crash shocked the community and led to emotional calls for justice.

But now, months later, Bohm’s lawyers argue that the legal system went too far. They want all four murder counts dropped.

The BMW Crash That Changed Everything

It was a quiet night last October when Bohm’s black BMW lost control along the busy coastal road. Witnesses say he was driving at a high speed, weaving through traffic dangerously. As Bohm’s car slipped out of control, it struck four students, all from Pepperdine University.

All four women—Niamh Roloff, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams—died after the crash. They were standing or walking along the edge of the highway. The incident led to massive public anger. People called Bohm reckless and blamed his driving choices for the tragedy.

Investigators arrested Bohm shortly after. Prosecutors charged him with four counts of murder and four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

Could These Charges Go Too Far?

In a bold move, Bohm’s main attorney Jacqueline Sparagna filed a new document with the court. It’s 55 pages long and aims to get those murder charges thrown out.

She says the case has been unfair from the start. According to her, many facts shared in a hearing back in April were not accurate or were taken out of context.

Her main point? Bohm may have made dangerous choices, but they don’t add up to murder.

“Fraser Bohm is not someone out looking to kill,” she said in her filing. “To charge him with murder is a mistake. This is not a murder case—it’s a traffic crash case.”

Understanding Murder vs. Manslaughter

To figure out why this case is drawing so much attention, it’s helpful to know the difference between murder and manslaughter.

Murder usually means someone meant to cause death or acted with extreme carelessness and knew someone could die. It’s the most serious crime in the law.

On the other hand, manslaughter is still serious but less extreme. It often means a person caused a death by mistake or poor judgment—not with purpose or clear knowledge of the danger.

So, is Fraser Bohm a driver who made a horrible mistake—or someone who acted in a way that shows no care for life?

That’s the argument now playing out in court.

Defense Points to Lack of Intent

Sparagna and her defense team say Bohm did not mean to hurt anyone. There was no plan, and he didn’t know that driving how he did would kill four people.

They also claim that Bohm’s car may have had mechanical issues that played a role in the crash. They are asking the judge to consider whether the vehicle itself failed in some way—causing the deadly outcome.

They also point to Bohm’s clean record before the crash and his emotional reaction afterward. “He has never been in trouble with the law,” Sparagna wrote. “He’s heartbroken over what happened.”

A Community Still in Mourning

While the legal battle continues, many people are still grieving. Pepperdine University held memorials for the students, lighting candles and sharing memories.

Family and friends describe the four women as “bright lights” with huge future plans. Their deaths left a deep wound across the campus and around the state.

Many argue that Bohm should be held fully responsible. They say that reckless driving is no excuse—and that justice means facing the highest possible charges.

Prosecutors Haven’t Changed Their Stance

As of now, the state has not agreed to lower the charges. Prosecutors say Bohm knew what he was doing. They argue that he had a choice to slow down or drive safer but didn’t.

In the earlier hearing, officials reported that Bohm was speeding and weaving through cars at the time of the crash. They say those actions clearly put lives at risk.

So while Bohm’s lawyers say this was “gross overcharging,” the state sees it as fair punishment.

What’s Next for the BMW Crash Driver?

A judge will now review the 55-page motion. If the court agrees with Bohm’s team, some or all of the charges could be reduced or even dropped. If not, the case will continue toward trial.

Either way, the BMW crash driver remains at the center of a painful and emotional case. For many, the scars of that October night won’t fade soon.

Until the court makes a decision, Fraser Bohm’s fate hangs in the balance.

FAQs

Who is Fraser Bohm?

Fraser Bohm is a 23-year-old man accused of causing a car crash that killed four college students. He was driving a BMW when the deadly crash happened near Pepperdine University.

Why were murder charges filed instead of manslaughter?

Prosecutors say Bohm’s reckless driving showed a disregard for human life. That’s why they charged him with murder, not just manslaughter.

Do Bohm’s lawyers think he’s innocent?

They admit he was behind the wheel, but they argue the charges are too extreme. They believe it was a tragic accident—not murder.

Will the murder charges be dropped?

That depends on the judge. The court is reviewing a motion now, and a decision is expected soon.