A psychologist testified that Dr. Dharmesh Patel, a California radiologist, suffered from major depressive disorder and psychotic features on the day his Tesla drove off a cliff in 2023 with his wife and two children inside. Patel was experiencing delusions related to news headlines, including the war in Ukraine and the growing fentanyl crisis. His greatest fear was that his children could be kidnapped and molested, possibly linked to concerns about Jeffrey Epstein. In light of Patel’s progress over the past year and low risk for harming others, the psychologist recommended him for a mental health diversion program instead of facing trial on charges of first-degree attempted murder.
The psychologist described Patel as motivated and open to treatment, believing he has the capacity to respond positively. Patel’s diagnosis was based on 18 tests, conversations with Patel and his relatives. If approved, Patel would engage in outpatient treatment overseen by a Stanford psychiatric clinician, including therapy and regular meetings. Prosecutors have opposed this request, with witnesses expected to testify against Patel starting on May 2. Patel’s wife and daughter suffered severe injuries in the crash, while his son miraculously escaped physical harm. Initially, Patel claimed he stopped to check a flat tire, but authorities charged him with three counts of first-degree attempted murder.
Patel’s delusions were reportedly triggered by real-world events, such as the war in Ukraine and the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. The psychologist noted that Patel had concerns about his children’s safety and a connection to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The psychologist’s recommendation for a mental health diversion program instead of prison was based on Patel’s progress and low risk for violence. Patel has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and is currently in custody without bail. The treatment plan would involve therapy and regular interactions with a psychiatric clinician, with the goal of addressing Patel’s mental health needs.
Despite the seriousness of the charges against him, Patel has shown strong progress in his mental health over the past year. The psychologist testified that Patel’s delusions were driven by fears related to his children’s safety and concerns about high-profile cases like Jeffrey Epstein’s. Patel’s potential participation in a mental health diversion program would involve ongoing treatment overseen by a psychiatric clinician from Stanford, aimed at addressing his mental health needs and ensuring his well-being. Prosecutors have opposed this request, setting the stage for witness testimony in the upcoming trial. Patel’s family members were injured in the crash, with his son miraculously escaping physical harm. Patel originally claimed he stopped to check a flat tire, but he was later charged with attempted murder.