Psychologist Says Pasadena Doctor Who Drove Family Off Cliff Had Psychotic Episode

Dharmesh Arvin Patel, the Pasadena radiologist who drove a Tesla carrying his wife and two children off a cliff last year, was experiencing a psychotic episode and believed his children were at risk of being sex trafficked, a psychologist testified Wednesday at a mental health diversion hearing, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The incident occurred on January 2, 2023, near California Highway 1. Patel drove the vehicle off Devil’s Slide with his wife and two children in it. All occupants survived the crash.

Patel, then 41, has been charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder. His lawyers cited his major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis as the basis for the mental health diversion request, arguing that his mental condition played a significant role in what happened.

The Chronicle said that Mark Patterson, an expert witness called by Patel’s attorneys, said he has met with Patel a dozen times since the Jan. 2, 2023, crash and diagnosed him with major depressive disorder with a single episode of psychotic features and anxious distress. 

“It was paranoid and kind of delusional thinking that he acted on at the time to protect his family from a worse fate,” Patterson told the court, according to the Chronicle. “He was concerned that his children were at risk of being kidnapped, possibly for sexual molestation.”

Under California law, a suspect’s mental disorder must be a “significant factor” in the criminal act to be eligible for the diversion program. If successfully completed, charges may be dropped and the arrest expunged. 

While murder and voluntary manslaughter suspects are generally excluded from the diversion program, attempted murder is not explicitly ruled out. 

The court would ultimately decide whether to reinstate the previous charges after the program’s completion.

Patel’s wife, Neha Patel, has stated in an affidavit obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle that her husband told the family of his intention to drive off the cliff. She attributes the act to his depression and claims he drove off purposely.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the vehicle did not appear to brake before it careened off the road, and Neha Patel allegedly told first responders that her husband intentionally drove off the cliff, according to multiple media reports.