Dharmesh Patel, a 42-year-old Indian-origin radiologist in California, who intentionally drove his Tesla off a 330-foot cliff at Devil’s Side in San Mateo County, will avoid jail and trial due to his mental health condition.
Incident Overview
On January 2, 2023, Dharmesh Patel drove his Tesla, with his wife and two children inside, off a 330-foot cliff at Devil’s Side in San Mateo County, California. Miraculously, Patel’s family survived the crash and were rescued from the wreckage.
Mental Health Factors
Patel was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder weeks before the incident. The court heard that Patel suffered from a psychotic breakdown, which led him to believe his family was in imminent danger, prompting the drastic action to drive off the cliff.
Legal Proceedings
Patel was charged with three counts of attempted murder and was initially held in jail. A psychologist testified that Patel’s mental health disorders played a significant role in the crime. This led the court to grant him mental health diversion. Mental health diversion allows individuals with mental illnesses who have committed crimes to receive treatment instead of jail time. The court must determine that the mental illness significantly contributed to the criminal behavior for diversion to be considered.
Opposition and Court Decision
The District Attorney’s office, led by Stephen Wagstaffe, opposed the mental health diversion and sought to bring Patel to trial for attempted murder. They argued that the severity of the crime warranted a trial and potential imprisonment. Superior Court Judge Susan Jakubowski ruled Patel eligible for the mental health diversion program based on medical assessments, releasing him to his parents in California.
Patel will be under house arrest, monitored by a GPS ankle bracelet, and must attend weekly court sessions. He is prohibited from driving, possessing weapons, consuming alcohol, or taking drugs, and he cannot travel outside the country.
Family’s Response and Testimonies
Following the crash, Patel’s family reportedly told hospital staff that he had tried to kill them. His wife, Neha, later pleaded for her husband’s release, admitting he drove off the cliff intentionally but opposing his prosecution. Initially, Patel claimed the crash was due to a flat tire but later discussed his mental health issues with defense doctors.
Mental Health Testimonies
Patel’s doctors testified that he had been experiencing paranoid and delusional thoughts, believing his children were at risk of being kidnapped and harmed. The defense presented evidence that Patel’s actions were driven by his delusional state, fearing for his family’s safety. Both the defense and prosecution experts diagnosed Patel with severe mental health disorders, which were treatable with medication.
Next Steps
Patel will return to court on July 1 for a hearing to finalize the details of his release and ongoing treatment plan. The court will continue to oversee Patel’s mental health treatment and adherence to the conditions of his release.
Dharmesh Patel’s case highlights the complexities of the legal system when dealing with crimes involving severe mental health issues. The court’s decision to grant a mental health diversion emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns in judicial proceedings, offering an alternative to incarceration for those significantly impacted by mental disorders.
(With inputs from agencies)
