Pasadena Doctor’s Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed After Mental Health Program—July 9

A San Mateo County judge dismissed all three attempted murder charges against Dharmesh Patel, 45, on July 7 after he completed a two-year mental health diversion program. Patel drove his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff at Devil’s Slide on January 2, 2023, with his wife and two children inside. All four miraculously survived. The dismissal has drawn criticism from prosecutors who argue attempted murder should not qualify for mental health diversion under California law.

What happened on Devil’s Slide

On January 2, 2023, Patel drove his Tesla off the Pacific Coast Highway at Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County with his wife Neha, age 41, and their two children, ages 4 and 7, inside the vehicle. The car plunged 250 feet down the cliff. All four survived with serious injuries in what emergency responders called “almost miraculous.” Patel’s wife told paramedics her husband had intentionally driven off the cliff. Patel initially pleaded not guilty, claiming the Tesla had tire issues.

Mental health diagnosis and diversion program

Multiple psychologists diagnosed Patel with major depressive disorder and testified he suffered a psychotic break at the time of the crash. One clinician based his diagnosis on 18 tests and discussions with Patel, his brother, and sister. Prosecutors presented a psychologist who disagreed, suggesting schizoaffective disorder instead. In July 2024, a judge granted Patel entry into California’s mental health diversion program, created in 2023. Under the program, Patel lived with his parents in Belmont and attended regular psychiatric and family therapy sessions. He was required to test twice weekly to prove he was taking prescribed medications.

Charges dismissed after program completion

Judge Sharon K. Cho dismissed Patel’s charges on July 7 after receiving reports from his clinicians showing he was “doing very well” in the diversion program. Under California law, judges must dismiss charges when a defendant completes diversion requirements. Patel’s arrest record was sealed, his passport was returned, and a protective order against his family was lifted. He has no criminal record and is not required to be on probation.

Prosecutor criticism and legal debate

San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe opposed Patel’s diversion and called the outcome “the break of a lifetime.” Wagstaffe told reporters, “He can drive home tonight. It’s like the case never happened.” He argued that Patel planned the act with “premeditation and deliberation” and that allowing diversion for attempted murder endangers public safety. Patel’s wife has said she forgave him and wants him back home. Wagstaffe and other California prosecutors are working with lawmakers to amend the law to exclude attempted murder from diversion eligibility.

Final Thoughts

Patel avoids prison and a criminal record under California’s 2023 mental health diversion law, but lost his medical license and cannot practice medicine. The case exposes a legal divide: prosecutors argue serious violent crimes should not qualify for diversion, while defense advocates argue mental illness can warrant treatment over punishment.

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