In a tragic incident that shook the community, a driver accused of causing a fatal crash in Malibu last week has been charged with murder. According to the Los Angeles Times, Fraser Michael Bohm, 22, was speeding at a staggering 104 mph before the collision, which claimed the lives of four Pepperdine University students.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón, announced during a news conference that Bohm is facing four counts of malice murder and four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter. Gascón emphasized that these charges were a result of Bohm's "complete disregard for the life of others."

Bohm pleaded not guilty to the eight felony charges in a Van Nuys courtroom and is currently held in jail on $4-million bail. A bail review hearing is scheduled for Thursday to determine any changes to his bail status.

The victims, identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, were all seniors at Pepperdine University and members of the Alpha Phi sorority. They were tragically struck and killed by Bohm's speeding BMW while standing near parked vehicles on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Initial investigations led to Bohm's arrest on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. However, he was released to allow authorities to gather additional evidence to secure a stronger case for criminal charges. On Tuesday night, Bohm was rearrested and booked on suspicion of four counts of murder following the discovery of new evidence, including toxicology results, search warrants, and speed analyses.

Law enforcement sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Bohm's car's onboard computer confirmed he was traveling at 104 mph before losing control in the deadly collision. Statements made by Bohm, claiming his familiarity with the speed limit and the road, further implicated him. Although toxicology results indicate that Bohm was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash, the evidence against him suggests a complete disregard for safety.

In a surprising twist, Bohm's attorney, Michael Kraut, has forwarded a claim to prosecutors alleging the involvement of another vehicle in the crash, suggesting that Bohm was a victim of a road-rage incident. Kraut believes his client was fleeing from someone who had pursued him, leading to the deadly accident.

The collision has reignited concerns over safety on Pacific Coast Highway, particularly in the area known as "Dead Man's Curve." Following the tragedy, the Malibu City Council received an outpouring of demands from residents to improve safety measures and enforce speed limits along this stretch of road. The council voted unanimously to request an emergency report, aiming to allocate additional resources for enhanced safety measures.

Jennifer Seetoo, captain of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department's Malibu/Lost Hills station, expressed the need for significant changes to make the 21-mile section of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu safer. Mayor Steve Uring echoed this sentiment, urging for increased state support on the issue, including a potential return of the California Highway Patrol and the implementation of speed cameras.

As the community mourns the loss of these four young lives, the focus remains on seeking justice for the Pepperdine students and implementing measures to prevent further tragedies on one of the city's most perilous roadways.