The California doctor accused of attempting to kill his family by driving his Tesla off a cliff had suffered from a major depressive disorder and psychotic features on the day of the crash. Psychologist Mark Patterson testified that Dharmesh Patel, a 43-year-old radiologist, was hearing footsteps and experiencing delusions related to major news headlines at the time of the incident in January 2023. Patel’s delusions were driven by events such as the war in Ukraine and the growing fentanyl crisis in the U.S. His greatest fear was that his children could be kidnapped and molested, which seemed connected to concerns about Jeffrey Epstein. Patterson suggested that Patel is a good candidate for a mental health diversion program due to his progress and low risk of harming others.
Patterson stated that Patel had shown strong progress over the past year and was highly motivated and amenable to treatment. The psychologist believed that Patel has a good capacity to respond positively to intervention. Patel’s diagnosis was based on 18 tests and interactions with Patel, as well as his brother and sister. If the judge approves the request, Patel will participate in the program instead of facing a trial on charges of first-degree attempted murder for allegedly driving his family off a 250-foot cliff intentionally. Patel’s wife and daughter were seriously injured in the crash, while his son emerged with no physical injuries. Initially, Patel had claimed that he pulled off the road to check a flat tire, but he was later charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder.
Patel, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is being held without bail at the San Mateo County Jail. His potential treatment would be supervised by James Armontrout, a Stanford psychiatric clinician, and would involve outpatient therapy, as well as meetings with Armontrout and a psychotherapist. Prosecutors have opposed the request for mental health treatment in court filings and are expected to present witnesses at a hearing on May 2. It was suggested that Patel’s delusions were influenced by his fears of the safety of his children, which may have been heightened by current events such as the war in Ukraine and the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the U.S. Patel’s concerns about Jeffrey Epstein added to his delusional thoughts about his family’s safety.
The psychologist’s testimony highlighted Patel’s mental state at the time of the crash, indicating that he was experiencing severe depressive disorder and psychotic features. Patel’s delusions related to fears about his children’s safety stemmed from his concerns about current events. Patterson recommended Patel for a mental health diversion program, citing his progress and low risk of harming others. If granted, Patel would avoid trial on first-degree attempted murder charges by participating in the treatment program supervised by a Stanford psychiatric clinician. Prosecutors have opposed the request for mental health treatment and are set to present their case in court. Patel’s family was injured in the crash, and he is currently being held without bail as he awaits further legal proceedings.
