Fraser Bohm Fights to Keep Blood-Stained Nitrous Oxide Tank Out of Trial Over Deaths of Four Pepperdine Students

The driver accused of killing four Pepperdine University students in a horrific Malibu crash is fighting to prevent prosecutors from showing jurors a blood-stained nitrous oxide canister recovered from his BMW.

Fraser Michael Bohm, 24, faces four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence over the October 17, 2023 collision on Pacific Coast Highway.

The latest dispute centers on a 10-to-12-pound tank of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which investigators recovered from his vehicle after the crash.

Prosecutors believe the canister could provide important evidence about what happened in the moments before the collision. Their theory is that Bohm may have been holding the heavy tank on his lap while driving, potentially distracting him as he traveled at extreme speed.

Importantly, prosecutors have said they are not alleging that Bohm inhaled the gas before the crash. Instead, they intend to argue that the canister itself may have interfered with his ability to control the vehicle.

Blood reportedly found on the canister

The prosecution’s theory has introduced a new evidentiary battle into a case that has already experienced several delays.

According to reports from court proceedings, the outside of the canister reportedly contained blood that prosecutors believe may be connected to injuries Bohm sustained in the collision.

His defense attorney, Alan Jackson, has sought additional time to inspect the tank, examine how it was collected and handled, and independently analyze the blood evidence.

The defense has also raised concerns about the prosecution’s new theory and the possibility that the case could become focused on alleged drug use, something prosecutors have said they are not pursuing.

Whether the canister will ultimately be admitted as evidence is a matter for the court to decide.

Four young women killed in devastating crash

The case dates back to the night of October 17, 2023, when four Pepperdine seniors were walking along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, were members of the university’s Alpha Phi sorority.

Prosecutors allege Bohm was driving his BMW at speeds reaching 104 mph before losing control near a stretch of highway known as Dead Man’s Curve.

The vehicle reportedly veered toward the roadside, striking parked cars that were then pushed into the four women. All four died at the scene.

The tragedy devastated the Pepperdine community and prompted renewed calls for improved safety measures along the dangerous coastal highway.

Defense challenges murder charges

Bohm’s defense has repeatedly disputed the prosecution’s decision to pursue murder charges.

Jackson has argued that excessive speed alone does not establish the legal standard of implied malice required for a murder conviction. Prosecutors, however, contend Bohm understood the danger of driving at such extreme speeds on a winding highway and consciously disregarded the risk to human life.

The defense has also maintained that Bohm was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

Bohm has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $4 million bail.

His trial, originally scheduled to begin in September 2026, was postponed until December 1 after the new evidence involving the nitrous oxide canister emerged and the defense requested more time to prepare.

Latest court hearing delayed

The dispute over the canister was expected to receive further attention at a November 4 pretrial hearing.

However, neither Bohm nor lead defense attorney Jackson appeared. Associate defense attorney Jacqueline Sparagna attended and informed the court that Jackson was dealing with a medical situation.

Judge Thomas Rubinson consequently postponed discussion of the nitrous oxide evidence and other pending motions until November 20.

The hearing could prove significant in determining whether prosecutors will be allowed to present the controversial canister to jurors when the case eventually goes to trial.

Nearly three years after the four young women’s deaths, their families are still waiting for the criminal case to move forward. For now, the question of whether a blood-stained gas tank will become a central piece of evidence remains unresolved.