New Delhi: California-based radiologist, Dharmesh Patel, will not face trial for intentionally driving his Tesla off a 330-foot cliff with his wife and two young children in the car. The court granted mental health diversion after determining Patel suffered a major depressive episode at the time of the incident.Family reunited after tragedyPatel, 42, will undergo court-ordered treatment and reunite with his family. His wife, Neha, played a key role in advocating for his release, highlighting the familys emotional distress and their desire to have him back home.Suicide attempt leads to legal battlesThe January 2023 incident on the Pacific Coast Highway left all four occupants miraculously unharmed. However, it sparked a legal battle between prosecutors, who argued for attempted murder charges, and Patels defense, which emphasized his mental health struggles.Psychotic episode explains Patels actionsExpert testimony revealed that Patel experienced a psychotic episode fueled by delusions and paranoia. He believed his family was in danger of sex trafficking and other threats. This delusional state, according to Dr. Mark Patterson, a defense witness, led him to believe he was protecting his loved ones.Terryfying visuals surfaceThe video of the incident was posted by an X user Collin Rugs. The information given in th caption sugests that the man will not be convicted and will be released on bail. Watch the video here:NEW: The man who intentionally launched his Tesla off a 330-foot cliff with his family inside, will not face trial after he was granted a mental health diversion.Dharmesh Patel, his wife, and two kids survived after he drove off the side of the Pacific Coast Highway.Patel was… pic.twitter.com/bBIsvkJaSj— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 25, 2024Recovery beginsPatels attorney, Joshua Bentley, stressed his clients lack of criminal history and the sudden nature of his mental health crisis. Patel will undergo court-ordered treatment, including house arrest, mandatory therapy sessions, and restrictions on driving, alcohol, and weapons.While the court prioritized Patels treatment, the incident raises concerns about potential future risks. Prosecutors expressed unease about the potential danger to the community, highlighting the severity of the initial actions.Case continues under monitoringPatels case will remain under court supervision with regular updates. A final hearing on July 1st will determine the specifics of his release and treatment plan.
