In a startling revelation regarding the case of Dr. Dharmesh Patel, an Indian-American radiologist held in Redwood City jail since a dramatic incident in 2023, new details suggest he experienced a psychotic break during the event. The incident, which occurred on January 2, 2023, involved Dr. Patel allegedly driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff known as Devil Slide in California, with his family inside.
Medical professionals have now come forward, claiming that Dr. Patel’s actions were a result of a mental breakdown. At the time of the incident, Patel’s wife Neha and their two children, ages 7 and 4, were in the vehicle. Fortunately, all family members survived the ordeal, although the circumstances leading up to the crash were deeply troubling.
According to Steve Wagstaffe, the district attorney for San Mateo County, two doctors involved in the case informed investigators that Patel had a psychotic episode during the crash. This episode led him to believe that his children were being trafficked for sex, as reported by The Los Angeles Times on April 24.
Psychologist Dr. Mark Patterson’s analysis further shed light on Patel’s mental state, indicating that he was suffering from a mental illness that had escalated before the incident. Patel had mentioned hearing footsteps behind him, a detail corroborated by his wife, leading to concerns about his mental well-being prior to the crash.
As a consequence of the incident, Patel’s medical practice license was suspended, and he is currently seeking mental health diversion as part of his legal proceedings. This diversion would involve his release from custody to undergo a two-year treatment plan. However, prosecutors argue that the severity of Patel’s condition, diagnosed as Schizoaffective Disorder rather than major depressive disorder with psychosis, warrants continued court proceedings.
Sources By Agencies
