Dharmesh Patel: Court hears chilling reason why California doctor tried to kill his wife and two children

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During the trial, a psychologist testified that Dharmesh Patel, a California doctor accused of intentionally driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff at Devil Slide, believed he was acting to safeguard his family. 

Adding context, Patel veered his white 2021 Tesla Model Y off the Pacific Coast Highway close to San Francisco, resulting in a plunge from the cliff's edge. It's significant to note that his wife, along with their four-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter, were present during the incident.

Patel, now detained in Redwood City jail, pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder as DailyMail, reported.

What did Dr Mark Patterson report to court?

Dr Mark Patterson, an expert witness enlisted by Patel's attorney, explained that Patel, 42, was in the midst of a psychotic episode. 

Patterson stated that Patel harbored fears that his two children would become victims of sex trafficking.

In a recent court hearing for Dharmesh Patel, Dr Mark Paterson discussed Patel's delusional beliefs, shedding light on how they influenced his actions toward his family's well-being.

Patterson claimed, "It was paranoid and kind of delusional thinking that he acted on at the time to protect his family from a worse fate."

Patterson added, “He was concerned that his children were at risk of being kidnapped, possibly for sexual molestation. … There were concerns surrounding the explosion of fentanyl in this country and the war in Ukraine.”

Dharmesh Patel's psychosis peaked before the car crash, report Dr. Mark Patterson. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Patterson was the initial witness called during Wednesday morning's proceedings.

After multiple consultations, he diagnosed Patel with major depressive disorder accompanied by a single episode of psychotic features and anxious distress. 

Patterson noted that Patel's psychosis reached its peak in the days leading up to the car accident, mentioning that Patel reported hearing footsteps and feeling as though he was being followed.

Patterson suggested that Patel meets the criteria for treatment under the mental health diversion law, stating, "I see him as someone who is highly motivated and responsive to treatment." Patel's delusions ceased during his time in custody at the San Mateo County jail, although Patterson noted that he still experiences significant remorse.

During Wednesday's hearing, Patterson's evaluation of Patel's psychosis took precedence, given that if granted diversion and successfully completes two years of treatment, charges against him could potentially be dismissed.

Dr James Armontrout diagnosed Dharmesh Patel’s mental health

Dr James Armontrout, the second witness for the defense, diagnosed Patel with “major depressive disorder with psychotic features that is currently in remission.” 

Patel's legal team applied for a mental health diversion in July last year. 

The case will resume on May 2, and San Mateo County prosecutors will call their witnesses.

Judge Susan Jakubowski will decide if Patel's mental illness contributed to the alleged murder and if he poses a public safety threat. 

The diversion program aims to keep defendants with mental illness out of jail and focus on treatment. Patel's treatment would last two years because of his felony charges.

Neha Patel, Dharmesh's wife, told investigators after the crash that her husband was depressed and had mentioned driving off the cliff. 

Witnesses confirmed that the car didn't attempt to stop before plunging off the cliff. Patel survived with minor injuries, while Neha had more severe injuries.

Their seven-year-old child was seriously hurt, and the four-year-old had only bruises. Both children left the hospital within weeks. 

Patel initially claimed innocence, blaming tire issues. However, he was banned from practicing medicine due to cognitive impairments.

Despite Neha's claim that Patel intentionally drove off the cliff, she doesn't want him prosecuted. 

The lawyer's statements were challenged by Wagstaffe, who believed Neha's words supported the attempted murder charges. Neha is expected to address the court next month.

How did Internet react to chilling reason from 2 witnesses for Dharmesh Patel? 

After hearing the disturbing testimonies from two witnesses regarding Dharmesh Patel, many people took to the comment section to express their views, as per DailyMail.

One user said, “His defense tactic sounds like a ruse.”

Another user added, “It was an attempted triple homicide and he has to be put in prison for a very long time for the safety of the Mom and the two children. When someone acts out in a determined manner; whatever the reason; they will likely try again.”

The third worried, “That poor family. Everyone looses.”

The fourth claimed, “Tesla is a well made car. That's incredible that they survived!”

The fifth wrote, “That sounds like something cooked up by a delusional lawyer. No excuse for what he did.”

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