In a harrowing incident reported by the LA Times, Dr. Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist from Pasadena, is accused of driving his family’s Tesla off Devil’s Slide cliff on Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay, California. According to prosecutors, the 42-year-old father faces three counts of attempted murder. However, in a surprising turn of events, two doctors, Mark Patterson and James Armontrout, have testified in support of Patel’s defense, asserting that he was grappling with major depressive disorder and experienced a psychotic break during the incident.
District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe revealed that Patel’s psychotic episode was centered on the unfounded fear of his children being involved in sex trafficking. In light of his mental state, Patel has sought mental health diversion, a measure that could lead to his release from jail and enrollment in a two-year treatment program. If Patel complies with the conditions and refrains from criminal activity during this period, the charges against him would be dismissed.
However, prosecutors are vehemently opposed to this diversion plea. They argue that their own medical expert diagnosed Patel with schizoaffective disorder rather than major depressive disorder, raising doubts about the efficacy of the proposed treatment plan. They insist that the case should proceed in court, expressing concerns over the lack of monitoring if Patel is released. Wagstaffe specifically voiced apprehension regarding Patel’s potential release, stating that it would be challenging to monitor his adherence outside of psychiatrist appointments.
Patel’s attorney, Joshua Bentley, has declined to comment on the matter, as reported by the LA Times. The incident occurred on January 2, 2023, when Patel, his 41-year-old wife Neha, and their two young children were traveling in their vehicle along the Coast Highway. Patel allegedly steered the car off the road, resulting in the vehicle plunging over the cliff. Miraculously, Patel, his wife, and their children all survived the crash.
Following the incident, Patel was apprehended at Stanford Hospital on suspicion of attempted murder. His medical practice license has been suspended, and he is currently being held in Redwood City jail. This case has garnered significant attention, with experts weighing in on the complexities of mental health and its impact on criminal responsibility.
