…Doctor Dharmesh Patel, is facing accusations of driving his Tesla off a cliff with his family inside while allegedly suffering from major depressive disorder and experiencing a psychotic break.
During a hearing, two doctors testified that Patel was dealing with hallucinations, hearing footsteps, and fearing that his children were at risk of being sex trafficked.
The doctors linked Patel’s delusions to the fentanyl crisis and the war in Ukraine. Psychologist Mark Patterson highlighted Patel’s concerns about his children’s safety, connecting them to worries about sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
In response to Patel’s request, he is seeking a mental health diversion in his case, which, if granted by a judge, would involve a two-year treatment plan instead of jail time. Patel’s charges may be dropped if he successfully completes the treatment without committing any crimes.
If placed in the mental diversion program, psychiatric clinician James Armontrout would oversee Patel’s treatment, which includes outpatient care, group and individual therapy sessions, and meetings with a psychotherapist.
Patterson described Patel as motivated and responsive to treatment, indicating good progress since the incident. Patel’s diagnosis followed a series of tests and consultations with the doctor and his siblings.
The doctor was charged with three counts of attempted murder after driving the family’s car off a cliff in Northern California. While Patel pleaded not guilty, his wife Neha claimed he was suicidal and intentionally drove off the road.
Prosecutors opposed the diversion program, citing a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder instead of major depressive disorder and expressing concerns about monitoring Patel outside the court setting.
Patel remains in custody without bail at San Mateo County Jail as the legal proceedings continue.
