Dharmesh Patel, the California radiologist accused of driving his automotive off a 330-foot cliff along with his household inside, is not going to face trial. On Thursday, the courtroom granted Patel, 42, a psychological well being diversion, acknowledging proof of his main depressive dysfunction, as confirmed by the San Mateo County District Legal professional’s Workplace.
Patel had pleaded not responsible to a few counts of tried homicide after the January 2023 incident. He was accused of intentionally driving off the Pacific Coast Freeway and plunging over a cliff at Satan’s Slide in San Mateo County. Remarkably, Patel, his spouse, and their two youngsters, aged 4 and seven on the time, survived the crash.
San Mateo Superior Courtroom Choose Susan Jakubowski dominated that Patel certified for psychological well being diversion as a result of his situation. The proposed therapy plan was deemed appropriate to satisfy his wants. “Weighing all components, the courtroom decided the defendant was appropriate and granted the protection request for psychological well being diversion,” said the district lawyer’s workplace in a information launch.
District Legal professional Stephen Wagstaffe expressed sturdy opposition to the psychological well being diversion and sought a trial for Patel. “However underneath California’s diversion regulation, the courtroom makes the choice,” Wagstaffe advised NBC Information.
Patel will keep in jail for a number of weeks earlier than being launched to his mother and father’ house in San Mateo County, underneath strict circumstances. He’s ordered to not go away the residence, report back to courtroom weekly for progress updates, endure twice-weekly medicine compliance exams, abstain from alcohol and medicines, and give up his driver’s license and passport.
Patel is scheduled to return to courtroom on July 1, when additional particulars of his launch can be determined.
