Four Pepperdine University students tragically lost their lives in a four car collision that occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu on October 17. The ongoing investigation suggests excessive speed as a likely factor, according to Hoodline.
Driver 22-year-old Frazier Michael Bohm, has to been arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, as the four-door sedan he operated was involved in the deadly crash with the students' vehicle. The victims, who were senior students, were identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.
To improve traffic safety, the city of Malibu plans to invest approximately $47 million. This includes $39 million for traffic safety improvement projects and further $8 million for upcoming safety enhancement initiatives.
In a joint effort, city officials and local authorities have taken steps to upgrade road conditions, enforce traffic safety, and address the issue of speeding along the PCH. Captain Jennifer Seetoo of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) made a public appeal for action.
According to Hoodline, plans are in place to increase law enforcement presence and equipment on the road. Weekend saturation patrols, automated license plate readers, and alternative traffic enforcement strategies are set to be implemented. The PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, aimed to curb speeding and improper turns, is fully funded and expected to be completed in 2025.
Meanwhile, as mourning continues in the local and university communities, investigators follow every lead to understand the circumstances of this fatal crash. The LASD in Malibu announced on Tuesday, October 24, that Major Crimes Detectives had arrested Fraser Bohm on four counts of Murder – 187 P.C. Bohm's bail was set at $8,000,000.00 and he's scheduled to appear in court Today, according to LASD information.
Investigation into the crash is ongoing, with vital reports such as toxicology and speed analysis still pending.
The LASD has encouraged anyone with information about this tragic event to contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station at (818) 878-1808 and speak to the Traffic Investigations Office, as per their update.
