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California radiologist who drove off cliff plunge with family avoids trial. Mental health ruling sparks debate on justice and treatment.
A California radiologist who drove his vehicle off a cliff plunge while his family inside won't be tried, a judge decided. The decision was made because evidence suggests that the man suffered with major depressive disorder.
Dharmesh Patel 42 years old The San Mateo County Superior Court granted Dharmesh Patel an exemption due to his mental health. This allows him to avoid going to trial on three counts of attempting murder related to an incident that happened in the first few months of 2023.
The incident was the subject of national media attention after Patel's Tesla plunged into the 330-foot depths of onto the Pacific Coast Highway at Devil's Slide in San Mateo County. Amazingly, Patel, his wife and their two children, who were aged 4 and seven at the time, all survived the accident.
A judge named Susan Jakubowski determined that Patel's major depression disorder rendered him qualified to receive the mental health divert. The judge also determined that the treatment plan proposed will adequately meet his needs.
The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office strongly opposed the decision. District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe told NBC News, "We intensely opposed mental health treatment for Patel and requested the court to take Patel to trial for the three charges for tried murder."
In accordance with this diversion plan, Patel will remain in jail for several weeks prior to being transferred back to the parents' residence within San Mateo County. Patel is not allowed to leave the house and is required to appear before the court every week for progress reports.
Additional requirements include twice weekly testing for compliance with prescriptions in addition to abstaining from alcohol or drugs and releasing his driver's license as well as passport. Patel will appear in court on July 1st to determine the terms for his release.
The case has raised questions regarding mental health issues within our criminal justice system. Some argue that diversion programs are the necessary treatment, others voice the need for accountability for risky actions.
While the public grapples with the decision of the court The focus is now shifting towards the rehabilitation and treatment of Patel. This highly-publicized case could affect the future decision-making process regarding mental health diverting in similar situations.
