California: Dharmesh Patel, an Indian-origin radiologist who intentionally drove his Tesla off a 330-foot cliff in California with three of his family members inside, will not stand trial. Patel, 42, was granted a mental health diversion by the court because of evidence of a major depressive disorder, NBC News quoted the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office as saying.
Patel's attorney, Joshua Bentley, argued that Patel had no criminal history and was a loving family man who experienced a sudden mental health crisis. Psychologists testified that Patel's mental health deteriorated rapidly before the crash, culminating in a psychotic episode.
The court said that Patel must remain in jail for several more weeks before being released to live with his parents in Belmont. He will be under house arrest for two months, monitored by an ankle bracelet, and must attend weekly court sessions for progress reports. He is also banned from driving, possessing weapons, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs.
A father of two children aged four and seven, Patel drove his car over a 330-foot cliff at Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County in January last year. His wife and two children were in the car at the time and managed to survive the crash.
In the hospital, Patel's family allegedly told paramedics that "he tried to kill us", according to a Daily Mail report, but his wife later begged authorities to let her husband come home. Patel pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder. He will face court on July 1 to finalize the details of his release and treatment plan.
