Three counts of attempted murder have been brought against Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist from Pasadena, California, when his car crossed Devil’s Slide in January while he, his wife, and their two kids were inside.
Mr. Patel, 42, has requested admission to a mental health treatment and entered a not guilty plea. The accusations would be withdrawn, and once he finished the treatment program, the court would approve the request and release him.
According to local reports, during Mr. Patel’s trial on Thursday, two physicians who were testifying on behalf of the defense said that he was going through a psychotic episode at the time of the incident and thought that his kids could be being trafficked for sex.
The Mercury News says that his hallucinations were connected to worries about Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was charged with operating a sex trafficking operation involving minor girls when he committed himself in incarcerated.
The physicians testified that prior to the tragedy, Mr. Patel also had fantasies about the fentanyl issue and Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The prosecution, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, brought additional physicians who determined that Mr. Patel suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which means the treatment plan would not work.
According to Mr. Wagstaffe, Mr. Patel should not be allowed to continue with the initiative.
Mr. Wagstaffe said to The Independent, “You have an officer, unlike if you are put on probation or parole.” You do not have that at all with mental health diversion. It is not subject to any monitoring.
Judge Susan Jakubowski will try Mr. Patel if she decides to support Mr. Wagstaffe. Mr. Patel may stay in a treatment program for up to two years before being freed if his request is approved. It is anticipated that the court will make a ruling in the next weeks.
A tumble down the precipitous cliff on California’s Highway 1, just south of San Francisco, “miraculously” spared Mr. Patel, his wife, their nine-year-old son, and their four-year-old daughter on January 2, 2023. According to police, the Tesla flipped many times before coming to rest on its wheels and becoming jammed against the rock just a few meters from the water.
Brian Pottenger, a battalion chief with Coastside Fire Protection District/Cal Fire, said at the time, “We go there all the time for cars over the cliff and they never live.” “There was truly a miracle here.”
In serious condition, all four family members were admitted to the hospital. The two kids, who had musculoskeletal injuries, were pulled out of the automobile via the rear window. Compared to their kids, Mr. Patel and his wife had more severe injuries.
Prosecutors accused Mr. Patel of attempting murder after the collision, using witness accounts and on-the-scene video.
While she was being flown from the accident, Mr. Patel’s wife, Neha Patel, reportedly admitted to the paramedics that “he tried to kill us.” Later, court documents showed that she had also mentioned Mr. Patel’s depression.
He departed in his car. Ms. Patel said, “He is depressed.” He declared his intention to drive over the cliff. He intentionally left. But a month later, his wife told Mr. Patel’s defense lawyer, she did not want him to be charged.
Prior to the accident, Mr. Patel was employed at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, Pasadena, as a radiologist. Based on his internet biography, Mr. Patel is a medical practitioner with over a decade of experience, having graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Michigan.