California doctor who drove young family off cliff in Tesla will not face trial

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A California radiologist accused of driving his family off a cliff in a Tesla during a psychotic break will not face trial.

Dharmesh Patel, 42, was granted a mental health diversion last week by a judge who heard that he suffers from a major depressive disorder, according to San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

Patel pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder after allegedly driving his electric vehicle off the Pacific Coast Highway in an area known as Devil’s Slide last year.

His wife and two children, aged 4 and 7 at the time of the incident, were also in the car. All four survived.

Neha Patel was seated next to her husband when their vehicle fell 250ft down Devil’s Slide near San Fransisco on 2 January, 2023.

Ms Patel had asked prosecutors to drop the criminal charges against her radiologist husband. He pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors had “intensely” opposed mental health diversion for Patel and asked the court to bring him to trial for the three counts of attempted murder, District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe told NBC News.

But under California law, that decision is made by the judge.

Patel will remain behind bars for several weeks before being released to stay at his parents’ home in San Mateo County.

The family “miraculously” survived the crash but Ms Patel was left with serious injuries. She initially told first responders that her husband was “depressed” and that “he said he was going to drive off the cliff. He purposely drove off.”

Judge Susan Jakubowski said Patel was eligible for a mental health diversion because of the condition he suffers, and that a treatment plan would address it.

“Weighing all factors, the court determined the defendant was suitable and granted the defense request for mental health diversion,” prosecutors said in a statement.

During a prior court hearing, two doctors testified for the defense that Patel was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the crash and that he believed “that his children might be sex trafficked”.

His delusions related to concerns about Jeffrey Epstein, The Mercury News said. Epstein, who died by suicide in jail, was accused of running a sex-trafficking ring of underage girls.

Leading up to the crash, Patel also experienced delusions about Russia’s war in Ukraine and the fentanyl crisis, according to the doctors’ testimony.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.