Pacific Coast Highway Collision: Fraser Bohm Under the Spotlight of Vehicular Manslaughter

MALIBU, CA — A heart-wrenching collision on the Pacific Coast Highway has resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine University sorority sisters. The incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, near the 21600 block of PCH by Carbon Canyon. Fraser Bohm, 22, was at the wheel of a red BMW the evening after celebrating his 22nd birthday. He reportedly lost control, veering into three parked vehicles, as detailed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The university confirmed the identities of the victims in a statement, naming them as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams. All four were seniors at Seaver College of Liberal Arts.

Charges Loom for Bohm: Unraveling the Legal Accusations

Authorities were prompt in their response, leveling charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence against Bohm, as outlined in California Penal Code 191.5(a). This charge is more intricate than typical accident-related offenses. It suggests a heightened level of recklessness on Bohm’s part. Historically, in California, such charges have been levied in cases where the defendant’s actions were not just negligent but egregiously so, indicating a blatant disregard for the safety of others. Given established legal standards, the defense must intensively challenge the gross negligence factor to achieve a lesser charge or acquittal.

The High Stakes: Understanding the Potential Penalties

The stakes are high for Bohm. A conviction for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in California can lead to severe penalties. Bohm could face up to 10 years in state prison for each count, amounting to a potential 40 years. Additionally, he might be liable for fines up to $10,000 for each count.

Bohm’s Immediate Aftermath: Arrest and Allegations

Bohm was promptly arrested at the crash scene on Tuesday night. However, he was released from the Lost Hills police station in the early hours of Wednesday after being charged. Notably, Bohm has no prior criminal record.

Eyewitness accounts add another layer to the narrative. Some claim that Bohm attempted to flee the scene post-collision. It took the intervention of students from the nearby Pepperdine Sigma Chi fraternity to prevent his escape, as they reportedly “tackled him down.” Sheriff’s Sgt. Maria Navarro provided some clarity regarding the potential influence of alcohol, stating it wasn’t believed to be a factor. This conclusion was drawn after officers conducted a field sobriety test on Bohm. The City of Malibu has since released a statement attributing the crash to a “speeding motorist.”

Crafting a Defense: Key Strategies in High-Profile Cases

For such profound implications, a defense strategy is paramount. An experienced criminal defense attorney would:

• Thoroughly Examine Evidence: Reviewing all evidence, including CCTV recordings and forensic analyses.
• Evaluate External Influences: Arguing potential contributing factors like road conditions or vehicle defects.
• Analyze Bohm’s Mental State: Using evidence of emotional or mental distress to argue for reduced charges.
• Interrogate Eyewitnesses: Identifying inconsistencies or contradictions in their accounts.

Conclusion

The Pacific Coast Highway incident involving Fraser Bohm highlights the complexities of vehicular manslaughter cases in California. The legal system often imposes extensive ramifications for such incidents, especially when alleging gross negligence.

At The Law Offices Of Arash Hashemi, we have a deep understanding of criminal law. If facing vehicular manslaughter charges or other criminal allegations, expert legal representation is crucial. Contact us at (310) 870-2400 or schedule a consultation. Our office in Westside Towers in LA is easily accessible from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood.