Indian-Origin Doctor Escapes Jail After Driving Wife and 2 Children Off Cliff in the US

Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist, drove his car off a cliff in the US with his wife and two children inside. He will not be serving jail time and will receive mental health treatment. Psychologists told the court that Mr. Patel suffered from a psychotic breakdown and believed his children were at risk of being sex trafficked, leading him to crash the car.

The Tesla fell over 250 feet, but the family survived and was rescued from the car. His wife initially admitted that he drove the car off the cliff intentionally but later testified that she did not want her husband prosecuted. Doctors diagnosed Mr. Patel with schizoaffective disorder and major depressive disorder, stating that he was concerned his children were at risk of being kidnapped.

The court determined that Mr. Patel was eligible for mental health treatment instead of jail time. He will be monitored with GPS, report to the court once a week, and is not allowed to leave the country. The case will have a next hearing on July 1.