'Delusions' and mental illness led radiologist to drive family off cliff, defense claims

A California radiologist who drove a Tesla carrying his wife and two children off a cliff might not face prison time after all, if a judge grants his defense team’s request that he be admitted to a mental health diversion program.

While being treated on the scene of the accident, Pasadena-based Dharmesh Patel’s wife told authorities that the doctor intentionally drove his family off the cliff, that he said he was going to do so and that he was depressed. Patel’s wife and 7-year-old both suffered serious injuries, while Patel injured his foot and leg and his youngest child walked away with only bruises. 

In the days leading up to the accident, Patel was allegedly suffering from delusions and hearing things. News of the war in Ukraine, the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. and reports of children being sex trafficked were all said to be factors that contributed to the doctor’s deteriorating mental state. 

However, the radiologist’s statements to authorities did not allude to the presence of suicidal thoughts or mental health issues at the time. He instead blamed issues with his Tesla’s tire pressure as the reason it suddenly plummeted off a cliff. 

Patel has been held in San Mateo County jail without bail since the accident occurred in January of 2023. 

In a hearing Wednesday, clinical and forensic psychologist Mark Patterson, who has conducted nearly 20 different tests on Patel, told a judge that it was clear to him that the radiologist was “very motivated and amenable to treatment,” a Bay Area News Group affiliate reported. Patterson said that even after Patel stopped taking antipsychotic medications, he showed no signs of mental illness and was no longer having delusions. 

Although other doctors have suggested that Patel suffers from a condition resembling schizophrenia, Patterson has not given him that diagnosis.  

If the defense’s request is granted, Patel would undergo intensive outpatient treatment under the direction of Stanford psychiatric clinician James Armontrout. After treatment completion, there is the possibility that Patel’s case could be dismissed. 

The prosecution has pushed back on this, filing motions to oppose it. They will delve further into their reasoning next week when the trial resumes.