Radiologist Dharmesh Patel, who was accused of driving his family off a cliff near Devil’s Slide last year, has been cleared for release from jail as part of a mental health diversion program. The program, established by state lawmakers in 2018 to address mental illness in correctional facilities, aims to provide treatment and support to individuals with mental health issues. Patel, 43, will be allowed to live with his parents in Belmont while undergoing the two-year treatment program.
During the hearing, Patel, dressed in a red jail jumpsuit, spoke sparingly. He acknowledged his understanding of the extensive conditions of his participation, which include avoiding contact with his family and refraining from practicing medicine. Patel had been held without bail since January 2023, following the incident where he allegedly drove his family’s Tesla off Highway 1 and down a 330-foot cliff onto a rocky beach north of Half Moon Bay.
Initially pleading not guilty, Patel claimed that tire issues with the Tesla may have caused the crash. However, his wife’s statements to first responders contradicted his narrative, as she expressed concerns about her husband’s depression and alleged that he intentionally drove off the cliff. Subsequently, Patel’s mental state became a focal point in the case. Psychologists testified that his actions were driven by delusions related to fears of his children being targeted by sex traffickers associated with Jeffrey Epstein, as well as his beliefs about the fentanyl crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Last month, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Susan Jakubowski granted Patel’s participation in the mental health diversion program, emphasizing the importance of his commitment to psychiatric treatment. The judge also acknowledged the presence of a strong support system ready to assist Patel in his recovery. As part of the program, Patel will undergo intensive treatment overseen by the head of Stanford University’s forensic psychiatric fellowship. He will be required to make routine visits to multiple clinicians, wear a GPS device, and remain within San Mateo County except for treatment purposes. Additionally, he is prohibited from practicing medicine while in the program.
1 Response
The post discusses the case of Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist who was accused of driving his family off a cliff near Devil’s Slide. The update states that Patel has been cleared for release from jail as part of a mental health diversion program.
My insights: It is important to prioritize mental health in cases like these. If Patel is deemed fit for release through a mental health diversion program, it suggests that his actions may have been influenced by mental health issues. This highlights the need for proper evaluation