The California doctor, Dharmesh Patel, who drove his Tesla off a cliff with his family inside in 2023, suffered from major depressive disorder and experienced a psychotic break during the crash. Two doctors testified that Patel was experiencing hallucinations, hearing footsteps, and believed his children had been sex trafficked. These delusions were triggered by the fentanyl crisis, the war in Ukraine, and fears of his children being kidnapped and molested, potentially connected to concerns about Jeffrey Epstein.
In a hearing in Redwood City, Patel requested a mental health diversion in his case, which would involve a two-year treatment plan instead of jail time. If granted, his charges would be dropped if he complies with the treatment plan and doesn’t commit any crimes. The treatment would include extensive outpatient care with group and individual therapy sessions. Stanford psychiatric clinician James Armontrout would supervise the treatment, and Patel was considered a good candidate due to his low risk of injuring others and his progress in treatment since the crash.
Psychologist Mark Patterson testified at the hearing that Patel was highly motivated and receptive to treatment, indicating a good capacity to respond to therapy. Patterson’s diagnosis was based on 18 tests, discussions with Patel and his siblings, and observations of his progress. Patel faced three counts of attempted murder after driving off a cliff with his wife and two children, miraculously surviving the crash. While Patel pleaded not guilty, his wife Neha told investigators he was suicidal and intentionally drove off the road, mentioning his depression and intent to harm himself.
The Tesla involved in the crash was not in self-driving mode, and witnesses reported no signs of malfunction. Prosecutors argued against the diversion program, suggesting Patel was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder instead of major depressive disorder. Schizoaffective is a chronic mental condition similar to schizophrenia, posing challenges for monitoring Patel’s condition and compliance with treatment outside of the court setting. District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe expressed concerns about how to ensure Patel remains on medication if not on probation or parole, and Patel has been held in custody at San Mateo County Jail without bail. The outcome of Patel’s request for the mental health diversion remains pending a judge’s decision.