Wife pleads for mental health help, not jail for doctor after cliff crash
In a heartfelt court appeal, Neha Patel has urged for mental health intervention instead of prison time for her husband, Dharmesh Patel, after a terrifying incident where he drove their family off a cliff in California. The crash, which occurred near Devil’s Slide on California Highway 1, left Neha and her two young children injured but miraculously alive.
During a Zoom court session on Thursday, Neha, combating the charges of first-degree attempted murder faced by her husband, requested a mental health diversion, reported by The San Francisco Chronicle. Dharmesh, a 42-year-old doctor from Pasadena, allegedly drove his Tesla off the cliff with his family inside in January 2023, an act prosecutors are treating as an attempted homicide.
Neha described Dharmesh as a “productive member of society” and her “best friend,” emphasizing his prior stable character and their 16-year long marriage. She disclosed Dharmesh’s recent mental health struggles, detailing his paranoia and diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, which involves symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders.
The incident took a dire turn when the Tesla plunged 250 feet down the cliff, with rescuers needing to extract the family from the wreck. Prosecutors noted that evidence, including video footage, suggested no attempt was made to stop or swerve the vehicle before it went over.
As the case unfolds, Neha’s plea highlights the complexities of mental health in legal contexts, advocating for treatment and support over incarceration. The family’s story continues to unfold in court, resonating deeply with ongoing discussions about mental health awareness and criminal justice reform.
Source: Fox LA
Wife pleads for mental health help, not jail for doctor after cliff crash
