Dharmesh Arvind Patel, a California radiologist, will no longer face attempted murder charges after completing a two-year mental health diversion programme, according to multiple reports. Patel was involved in a dramatic incident in January 2023, when he and his family plunged off a 250-foot cliff in a Tesla, an event that sparked extensive media coverage and raised significant questions about his mental state.
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The crash occurred on a notoriously perilous stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Slide, located in San Mateo County near Pacifica. At the time of the incident, Patel’s wife, Neha, and their two young children, aged seven and four, were also in the car. Following the incident, Neha Patel reportedly informed paramedics that her husband had “intentionally tried to kill us.” Her statements led to an investigation which resulted in Patel facing three counts of attempted murder.
Patel, now aged 45, was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and psychosis. During legal proceedings in 2024, it was revealed that two medical experts testified Patel was experiencing a psychotic episode during the crash, which contributed to his actions. They suggested that he believed his children were in danger of being victimised in a sex trafficking plot, which framed his mental health condition as a crucial factor in understanding his behaviour at the time.
Despite initial prosecution claims that Patel should remain in criminal court and that he would not benefit from the mental health diversion programme, a judge ultimately ruled in favour of the defence. Judge Cho determined that Patel’s mental health diagnoses were significant enough to warrant dismissal of the charges under California law. This ruling was supported by the San Mateo County District Attorney, Steve Wagstaffe, who clarified that the judge had no discretion in the matter; the law mandated the dismissal post-completion of the programme.
Following his successful completion of the mental health programme, Patel’s passport has been returned, and a no-contact order for his family has been revoked. These developments signal a significant shift in Patel’s circumstances, moving from criminal prosecution to closure on his legal challenges.
Reports indicate that the decision not to pursue charges against Patel has been met with mixed reactions. While some members of the community may empathise with his mental health struggles, others might feel strongly about the traumatic impact of his actions on his family. In a notable twist, during court proceedings, Neha Patel later stated through the defence attorney that she did not wish for her husband to face prosecution, raising questions about the family’s wishes and the complexities of their situation.
Patel has since relinquished his medical licence, a decision confirmed by the Medical Board of California. His departure from the medical profession follows a highly public and disturbing incident that has altered the course of his life and his family’s future.
As this case draws to a close, it underscores the intersection of mental health issues and the legal system, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion in cases of psychological distress. With the judicial process now behind him, the Patel family can only hope to rebuild their lives and move forward from the harrowing events of the past.