Dharmesh Patel, a former radiologist from Pasadena, California, has had three attempted murder charges dismissed following his completion of a mental health diversion program related to an incident in January 2023. Patel drove his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff in Northern California with his wife and two young children—aged 4 and 7—inside the vehicle. Despite the severity of the crash, all family members survived. Emergency responders reported that Patel’s wife, Neha, told them he had intentionally tried to kill the family.
After the crash near Devil’s Slide along the Pacific Coast Highway, prosecutors charged Patel with three counts of attempted murder. However, multiple psychologists diagnosed him with major depressive disorder, and his defense attorney argued that Patel was experiencing a psychotic break at the time. Following his incarceration until August 2024, Patel entered a state mental health diversion program designed for defendants whose mental illnesses contribute to their offenses. Such programs focus on treatment rather than punishment and generally include conditions such as psychiatric and family therapy, along with regular court check-ins.
Patel completed the two-year program successfully while living with his parents in Belmont, leading to the dismissal of all charges. The San Mateo County district attorney’s office confirmed that the dismissal was automatic upon fulfillment of the diversion requirements. Patel is not required to be on probation and has no prior criminal record.
The decision to allow Patel’s entry into the diversion program and subsequently dismiss charges sparked disagreement among officials. San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe expressed concern about the implications for public safety, emphasizing that the crime involved premeditated harm with potential deadly consequences. He stated his office had opposed diversion because the severity and calculated nature of the act warranted continued prosecution.
Conversely, Patel’s defense attorney described the dismissal as a significant reprieve and voiced optimism about the benefits of the second chance provided by the mental health system. Patel had surrendered his medical license after being barred from practicing medicine by the California Medical Board, following findings that he had willfully caused harm to his family.
The case occurred amid broader changes in California’s approach to mental health diversion. Recent legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom has expanded judicial authority to deny diversion petitions in cases where defendants are considered a risk to public safety, tightening the criteria for eligibility. Patel’s case highlights ongoing debates over the balance between accountability and treatment for individuals whose crimes are linked to mental illness.