California Doctor Who Drove Family Off Cliff Avoids Trial Due to Mental Illness

Psychologists testify that Dr. Patel’s delusions led to a psychotic episode before the cliff crash.
California Doctor Who Drove Family Off Cliff Avoids Trial Due to Mental Illness
A Tesla vehicle that plunged off a Northern California cliff is seen crashed near Devil's Slide, on Jan. 2, 2023. San Mateo County Sheriff's Office via AP
Rachel Acenas
Updated:
0:00

A southern California doctor who purposely drove his car with his family off a cliff won’t face trial due to his mental illness, prosecutors announced.

Dharmesh Patel, 42, was granted a mental health diversion by a court due to evidence that shows the radiologist suffers from major depressive disorder, according to the San Mateo District Attorney’s office in a statement on Thursday.

Rachel Acenas
Rachel Acenas
Freelance Reporter
Rachel Acenas is an experienced journalist and TV news reporter and anchor covering breaking stories and contributing original news content for NTD's digital team.
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