A California doctor who drove his family off a cliff in their Tesla may avoid criminal charges after being granted admission into a two-year psychiatric diversion program. The incident occurred on January 2, 2023, when Dharmesh Patel drove his wife and two young children over a cliff near San Francisco. Despite the 300-foot plunge, the family miraculously survived, although Patel’s wife sustained severe spinal injuries.
Citing a psychotic episode as the cause of the incident, Patel’s family continues to support him. His attorney advocated for the mental health diversion program, while prosecutors pushed for three counts of attempted murder charges. Ultimately, the judge ruled in Patel’s favor, much to the joy of his family who celebrated outside the court.
During the hearing, Patel’s wife Neha testified on his behalf, expressing the need for him in their lives. Defense lawyer Joshua Bentley highlighted Patel’s history of paranoid episodes and emphasized his lack of prior criminal behavior. Bentley explained that Patel was consumed by fears of impending disasters, including concerns about his children’s safety.
While prosecutors argued that Patel posed a danger to the public and was not truthful about the incident being intentional, the judge determined that he suffered from major depressive disorder and was a kind and loving individual who would benefit from treatment. As part of the diversion program, Patel will be released to his parents, wear a GPS monitor, and will not be allowed to contact his wife or children due to a protective order. Additionally, he is prohibited from practicing medicine.
If Patel successfully completes the program, all charges against him will be dropped. This case highlights the complexities surrounding mental health and the criminal justice system, underscoring the importance of providing appropriate treatment and support for individuals in crisis.