A California man accused of intentionally driving himself, his wife, and two children off a cliff on a coastal highway in January 2023 has been granted a mental health diversion, suspending the criminal trial, as announced by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office.
Judge Susan Jakubowski approved the defense’s request for mental health diversion after determining that Dharmesh Patel's diagnosis was major depressive disorder based on the evidence presented.
Patel, aged 42, faced three counts of attempted murder following allegations that he deliberately steered his Tesla off a section of the Pacific Coast Highway known as Devil’s Slide, causing the family to plummet approximately 250 feet to a rocky beach below. Patel pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Fortunately, all four family members survived the crash, although Patel's wife sustained significant injuries and their 7-year-old child was also hurt. Both have since recovered from their injuries.
As per the defense doctors' recommendation, Patel will undergo a brief 'bridging period' in county jail before his next hearing scheduled for July 1 for further legal proceedings.
Upon release, Patel will be mandated to reside at his parents’ home in San Mateo County as part of the diversion program. He will only be permitted to leave for court appearances or treatment sessions. Additionally, he will be required to wear a GPS monitor, attend weekly progress reports in court, undergo bi-weekly medication compliance tests, refrain from alcohol and drugs, relinquish possession of weapons, surrender his driver’s license and passport to the court, and is prohibited from driving.
