Driver in crash that killed 4 Pepperdine University students arrested on murder charges

Pepperdine University student Deslyn Williams was one of four members of a sorority killed in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University student Deslyn Williams was one of four members of a sorority killed in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University

Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The 22-year-old driver in a crash that killed four Pepperdine University students was arrested on murder charges after investigators uncovered new evidence in the case, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced.

Fraser Michael Bohm, of Malibu, Calif., was being held on $8 million bond in the Oct. 17 crash that killed Pepperdine seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams.

Bohm was arrested immediately after the crash on a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter and released as detectives gathered more evidence. Bohm was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

"In this specific case, the evidence including toxicology, speed analysis, execution of search warrants, etc. was still pending and took additional time to collect," the sheriff's office 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."

Authorities said Bohm was on the Pacific Coast Highway when the women, who were all members of the same sorority, were hit.

Pepperdine University student Asha Weir was killed in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University student Asha Weir was killed in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University

The university, on its Facebook page, said the women brought "so much joy and light to our community."

Pepperdine University student Peyton Stewart was killed in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University student Peyton Stewart was killed in a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine University