Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist once known for his calm family life in Pasadena, became the focus of startling events in 2023. Prosecutors claimed Patel attempted to kill his family by driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff in Northern California, an incident that shocked many.
Following the crash, several psychologists diagnosed Patel with major depressive disorder. His defense lawyer successfully argued for Patel’s participation in a mental health diversion program in 2024 rather than facing criminal charges.
By Monday, San Mateo County dismissed the attempted murder charges against Patel, now 45, after he completed all diversion program terms. District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. Wagstaffe emphasized that public safety risks from premeditated actions were significant.
Miraculously, Patel’s wife, Neha, and their children, ages 4 and 7, survived the crash. Neha informed paramedics that Patel intended to kill the family. First responders had termed their survival miraculous after the January 2023 crash at Devil’s Slide, Pacific Coast Highway.
Patel adhered to the diversion program requirements, including regular sessions with psychiatrists and family therapists, while also reporting his progress to the court. Wagstaffe confirmed the absence of grounds to oppose the dismissal since Patel met all stipulated conditions.
The mental health diversion program allowed Patel’s involvement from August 2024. Medical testimonies revealed Patel experienced a psychotic episode rooted in major depressive disorder when he veered off the cliff. Wagstaffe suggested Patel’s fears about global conditions and family safety might have triggered his behavior.
Before these events, Patel was a radiologist at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, but the California Medical Board restricted him from practicing owing to attempted murder charges. In November, Patel relinquished his medical license under allegations of unprofessional conduct.
California’s mental health diversion initiative started in 2018 to shift the focus from punishment to treatment for defendants whose mental health issues played a role in their offenses. Though some severe crimes are excluding criteria, critics of the program noted concerns about recurrent serious offenses.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently endorsed Assembly Bill 46. This law tightens diversion program conduct by empowering judges to reject petitions if potential threats to public safety exist. An initial provision to exclude attempted murder charges, like Patel’s, was removed during revisions.
Wagstaffe reflected on the gravity of the outcome had the crash claimed lives, emphasizing the contrast between potential life sentences and Patel’s current freedom. Despite the legal outcome, Wagstaffe expressed hopes that Patel would utilize the opportunity afforded by dismissal.