Psychologists presented testimony indicating that Dr. Patel’s delusions precipitated a psychotic episode prior to the cliff crash.
A doctor from southern California intentionally drove his car off a cliff with his family but will not face trial due to his mental health condition, prosecutors have stated.
Dharmesh Patel, aged 42, was granted a mental health diversion by the court after evidence revealed that the radiologist suffers from major depressive disorder, according to the San Mateo District Attorney’s office in a statement released on Thursday.
Completion of a mental health diversion program in California allows a defendant to receive treatment and have charges against them dismissed.
“After considering all factors, the court found the defendant suitable and approved the defense’s request for mental health diversion,” stated Judge Susan Jakubowski in her ruling, noting that his diagnosed disorder “is directly related to the criminal behavior.”
Plunge Off a Cliff
Dr. Patel had pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder after driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff in January of last year. His wife and two children, aged 7 and 4, sustained injuries but survived the incident.
The vehicle was traveling southbound on Pacific Coast Highway before plunging off the cliff known as Devil’s Slide in San Mateo, located around 20 miles south of San Francisco.
Local media footage captured images of the damaged Tesla below the cliff near the water’s edge.
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Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene following 911 calls from witnesses. They rappelled down the cliff to rescue the children, while helicopters lifted the couple to safety.
“We were quite surprised to find survivors in the vehicle,” he added.
Expert Testimonies
The presiding judge in Dr. Patel’s case heard from multiple psychologists who testified that his behavior became increasingly delusional leading up to the crash, culminating in a single psychotic episode.
Prior to the episode, he struggled to sleep and was overwhelmed by negative thoughts, as per the psychologists’ court testimonies. Dr. Patel drove his children off the cliff due to fears of abduction or human trafficking. He also frequently ruminated on the national fentanyl crisis and the conflict in Ukraine.
However, his delusions ceased after receiving treatment while in custody, as stated by expert witness Dr. Mark Patterson, who also mentioned Dr. Patel’s deep remorse for the incident.
“I believe he is highly motivated and responsive to treatment,” testified the doctor.
During a previous hearing to determine his eligibility for a treatment program, Dr. Patel’s attorney, Joshua Bentley, described him as “a good man,” emphasizing that his wife had pleaded for his release.
Dr. Patel will remain in custody for several weeks during a transition period. He will then be released to his parents’ residence in San Mateo County but will be under house arrest and unable to leave the premises.
A date of July 31 has been set by the judge to finalize the terms of his release.
Dr. Patel will continue to engage in therapy sessions, provide progress updates to the court on a weekly basis, and undergo biweekly tests to ensure compliance with his medication regimen.
He is also forbidden from consuming alcohol or drugs, must surrender his driver’s license and passport, and is prohibited from practicing medicine under the outlined plan.
From NTD News
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