Psychologists Testify Dr. Patel’s Delusions Led to a Psychotic Episode Before the Cliff Crash
A Southern California doctor who purposely drove his car off a cliff with his family inside won’t face trial due to mental illness, prosecutors announced.
Dharmesh Patel, 42, was granted a mental health diversion by the court after evidence revealed the radiologist suffers from major depressive disorder, according to the San Mateo District Attorney’s office. This decision allows Patel to seek treatment and potentially have the charges against him dismissed.
Mental Health Diversion Granted
“Weighing all factors, the court determined the defendant was suitable and granted the defense request for mental health diversion,” Judge Susan Jakubowski said in her ruling, noting that his diagnosed disorder “has the required nexus to the criminal conduct.”
250 Feet Off a Cliff
In January last year, Dr. Patel pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder after driving his Tesla 250 feet off a cliff. His wife and two children, aged 7 and 4, were injured but survived the crash. The incident occurred on Pacific Coast Highway near Devil’s Slide, approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco. Local media captured images of the damaged Tesla at the water’s edge.
Emergency Response
Fire crews responded after witnesses called 911. Firefighters rappelled down the cliff to rescue the children, while helicopters hoisted the couple to safety. “The damage to the vehicle indicated that it hit and flipped several times and landed mostly on its wheels,” said Battalion Chief Brian Pottenger. “We were actually very shocked that we found survivable victims in the vehicle,” he added.
Psychologists Testify
Several psychologists testified that Dr. Patel appeared increasingly delusional in the days leading up to the crash, culminating in a psychotic episode. He often couldn’t sleep and was plagued by negative thoughts. According to court testimony, Dr. Patel drove his children off the cliff because he feared they would be kidnapped or sex trafficked, and he was preoccupied with the nationwide fentanyl crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Treatment and Remorse
After receiving treatment, Dr. Patel’s delusions stopped, according to expert witness Dr. Mark Patterson, who testified that Patel feels deep remorse for the crash. “I see him as someone who is very motivated and amenable to treatment,” Dr. Patterson said.
Future Steps
Patel’s attorney, Joshua Bentley, described him as “a good man,” highlighting that his wife begged for his release. The doctor will remain jailed for several weeks during a “bridging period” before being released to his parents’ home in San Mateo County, where he will be under house arrest.
The judge set a July 31 date to finalize details of his release. Dr. Patel will continue therapy sessions, report to court weekly, and take twice-weekly tests to ensure compliance with his medication. He is prohibited from drinking alcohol or taking drugs, must surrender his driver’s license and passport, and will be barred from practicing medicine.
