A California doctor accused of intentionally driving his family off a cliff will avoid criminal charges and instead undergo a two-year mental health diversion program, a judge ruled.
A California doctor who intentionally drove his wife and two young children off a cliff in their Tesla has been admitted into a mental health program and could avoid criminal charges altogether.
San Mateo Superior Court Judge Susan Jakubowski granted radiologist Dharmesh Patel, 42, admission into a two-year psychiatric diversion program last week, and he will soon be released from jail, Pasadena Now reported.
California Doctor Facing Murder Charges for Driving Family Off Cliff Admitted to Mental Health Program
Patel was driving with his wife and two young kids along Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay near San Francisco on Jan. 2, 2023, when he hurtled over a stretch known as Devil's Slide and crashed onto a rocky beach below.
The family miraculously survived the 300-foot plunge, but Patel's wife suffered severe spinal injuries.
California Doctor Facing Murder Charges for Driving Family Off Cliff Admitted to Mental Health Program
Patel initially told police the crash was an accident, claiming there was a problem with his Tesla tires. However, prosecutors argued that his actions were intentional and charged him with three counts of attempted first-degree attempted murder, as well as enhancements for great bodily injury and domestic abuse.
Patel's legal team, led by attorney Joshua Bentley, lobbied for the mental health diversion program, arguing that their client was in the grip of a psychotic episode during the incident. They presented evidence that Patel had been suffering from paranoid episodes and delusions prior to the crash.
California Doctor Facing Murder Charges for Driving Family Off Cliff Admitted to Mental Health Program
Prosecutors countered that Patel posed a danger to the public and had not been forthright about his mental health history. However, the judge ultimately ruled in Patel's favor, finding that he suffered from major depressive disorder and would benefit from treatment.
Patel will be released to his parents to begin the treatment program. He will have to wear a GPS monitor and cannot contact his wife or children due to a protective order. He is also prohibited from practicing medicine.
California Doctor Facing Murder Charges for Driving Family Off Cliff Admitted to Mental Health Program
If he successfully completes the program, prosecutors will be forced to drop all charges against him.
Patel's wife, Neha, testified on his behalf at the hearing, expressing her support for him and her belief that he needs treatment. She said that their family is incomplete without him and that the children need their father.
The decision to grant Patel admission into the mental health program has sparked mixed reactions. Some legal experts have criticized the move, arguing that Patel should be held criminally responsible for his actions. However, others have praised the decision, saying that it prioritizes Patel's mental health and will allow him to get the help he needs.
The case has raised important questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. It remains to be seen whether Patel will successfully complete the treatment program and if he will face any future criminal charges. However, the judge's decision has sent a clear message that mental illness will be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate punishment for crimes.
