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In a notable courtroom decision, a Los Angeles judge has instructed that a cellphone be returned to Fraser Bohm’s defense team, overriding the prosecution’s concerns about crucial evidence.
Fraser Bohm, a 24-year-old whose involvement in a tragic 2023 Malibu crash has garnered significant attention, initially declined to share his phone’s passcode with law enforcement. This incident resulted in the deaths of four young women from the Alpha Phi Sorority: Niamh Rolston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams, 21, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Following these events, Bohm finds himself facing serious charges, including four counts of murder and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The case has stirred both legal and public interest, given its devastating impact.
Judge Thomas Rubinson of the LA Superior Court announced on Tuesday that Bohm’s defense will employ a technician to access the phone. This specialist is tasked with downloading the device’s data, ensuring that the process is handled with care. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has been directed to securely transfer the phone to the technician, highlighting the court’s commitment to a meticulous and fair handling of evidence.
The prosecution has expressed frustration, emphasizing their struggle to retrieve potential evidence due to Bohm’s steadfast refusal to unlock the phone. This development marks a significant moment in the proceedings, as both sides navigate the complexities of justice and technological privacy.
The defense requested the cellphone, “so that the defense may conduct an independent extraction using his passcode.”
Defense attorney Jacqueline Sparagna stated that the prosecution’s request to keep the phone “is not rooted in evidence preservation, but in the obstruction of the defense’s access to critical evidence.”
Witness Victor Calandra previously stated that he noticed Bohm driving haphazardly in a BMW on the day in question.
While at a red light, he noticed Bohm in a vehicle, with “his cellphone between his legs,” according to Pepperdine University Graphic.
It appeared, according to Calandra, that Bohm had been possibly texting at the time, while using his thumbs.
When the light turned green, Calandra noted that Bohm sped off with “extreme acceleration,” despite Calandra warning him to drive more carefully.
Seconds later, Calandra saw the crash scene.
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As CrimeOnline previously reported, Bohm allegedly swerved and crashed into three parked vehicles along Pacific Coast Highway, on October 17, 2023, while driving his vehicle over 100 mph in a 45 mph zone.
The crash caused parked vehicles to strike the four victims, who were walking along the shoulder of the highway after exiting their own vehicle.
“Speed cannot be treated as malice, according to California law. And the prosecution must have proof of implied malice for a murder charge and the prosecution does not have that,” Bohm’s attorney, Alan Jackson, previously argued.
The prosecution argued that “the defendant clearly drove in a reckless and dangerous manner.”
“Here, the defendant drove 59 miles per hour over the speed limit on what is essentially a residential street,” Deputy District Attorney Nathan Bartos wrote.
“There is no excuse which can justify the danger he posed at those speeds, certainly not trying to flee possible road rage, a contention for which there was no evidence, nor did the defendant ever mention it to deputies.”
Bohm remains free on a $4 million bond. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 9, when Rubinson is expected to have a trial date.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Pepperdine University]