The tragedy that shook Malibu last week has come to a conclusion as officials have charged the 22-year-old driver of the BMW that struck and killed four Pepperdine University students with four counts of murder. The driver was held on a $4-million bail, authorities said Wednesday.
The four students’ deaths have impacted the community of Pepperdine University, Malibu and its surrounding cities. The victims were identified as: 19-year-old Richard Myles, 20-year-old Brooke Hawthorne, 20-year-old Dylan Mack and 21-year-old A.J. Rossi.
Malibu City Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) who partnered in the investigation of the crash, stated that the driver of the BMW, identified as Noah Anthony Gorman of Temecula, was speeding when the vehicle veered off the road and struck the victims as they were walking on Malibu Canyon Road. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Gorman was arrested and charged with four counts of murder and held on $4-million bail. If convicted, Gorman could face life in prison without parole.
The incident has also prompted the Malibu City Sheriff’s Department and the CHP to conduct an investigation into how Gorman’s BMW was able to reach the speed it was traveling at on Malibu Canyon Road.
In response to this tragedy, Pepperdine University has provided grief counselors and various support resources for students. The community has been deeply affected by the four students’ deaths, and many around the area have remembered them fondly.
Flowers and candles were placed at the site of the crash, with friends and families of the victims coming together to remember the four young adults. A memorial service was held at Pepperdine University’s Firestone Fieldhouse as well.
The death of the four students has prompted the Malibu City Sheriff’s Department and CHP to start a campaign to educate the public about the importance of road safety and the dangers of driving at excessive speeds. Officials urge drivers to be mindful of speed limits and to drive safely when traversing the Malibu Canyon Road.
The Malibu County Sheriff’s Office also hopes to reach out to young drivers to encourage them to practice safe driving and to be mindful of the consequences of reckless driving.
The tragedy that occurred last week has affected the lives of many in the community, and Gorman’s charges are a reminder to all drivers that driving recklessly can have serious consequences. As the investigation into Gorman’s actions continues, the Malibu community continues to mourn the four lives taken.
Let us all keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Let us also continue to spread the message of safe driving throughout the Malibu community.
