An Indian-American doctor, Dharmesh Patel, who drove his Tesla off a cliff with his wife and two children inside in an alleged murder attempt, will not serve jail time and will receive mental health treatment. Patel, a California radiologist, experienced a psychotic breakdown, leading to the crash.
Psychotic breakdown led to crash
Psychologists testified that Patel believed his children were at risk of being sex trafficked, prompting him to drive off the cliff. The Tesla fell over 250 feet, but the family miraculously survived. Patel’s wife, Neha, admitted he intentionally drove off the cliff but later testified against his prosecution.
Patel was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder
Patel was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder. “He had been hearing footsteps and thought he was being followed in the weeks before the crash,” a psychologist explained, citing paranoid and delusional thinking.
On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Susan M. Jakubowski ruled Patel eligible for a ‘mental health diversion’ program, allowing treatment instead of jail time. This provision applies if mental illness significantly contributed to the crime.
Judge Jakubowski ordered Patel’s release to his parents in California, with GPS monitoring and weekly court reporting. Patel cannot travel outside the country and must surrender his driving license and passport. The case will be reviewed on July 1.