The trial for Fraser Bohm, accused of killing four Pepperdine University students in a 2023 crash, has been postponed due to a new prosecution theory involving a 12-pound nitrous oxide tank found in his vehicle. The trial, originally scheduled to begin next week, was pushed to December 1st after Bohm's defense team requested additional time to analyze the canister.
Prosecutors allege the tank was on Bohm's lap at the time of the accident, suggesting it could have been a distraction. Nitrous oxide is known for its intoxicating effects, though prosecutors do not intend to prove Bohm was inhaling from the tank. Judge Thomas Rubinson noted that a "10 or 12 pound tank with pressurized gas in it is distracting."
Bohm's attorney, Alan Jackson, argued that the defense needs at least three to four weeks to inspect the tank, examine its chain of custody, and analyze swabs taken from the blood-stained canister. Jackson requested a trial date in January 2027, citing other upcoming trials, but the judge ultimately set the new start date for December 1st.
Bohm, 24, faces murder and vehicular manslaughter charges for striking and killing Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, on Oct. 17, 2023. Authorities stated Bohm was traveling at approximately 104 mph in a 45-mph zone on the Pacific Coast Highway when he lost control of his BMW. The car then crashed into three parked vehicles, which subsequently struck the four sorority sisters. The victims, all seniors at Pepperdine University, died at the scene.
Bohm has been out on $4 million bail since the incident. His legal team had previously sought to dismiss the murder charges, contending that Bohm lost control of the vehicle and should not be held criminally liable for murder. Jackson declined to comment when asked about the presence of the nitrous oxide tank in Bohm's car following Wednesday's hearing.