California Mental Health Diversion Program Helps Release Doctor from Attempted Murder Charges
A Pasadena doctor accused of attempting to kill his wife and children by driving their Tesla off a cliff was released on Monday without bail. The judge allowed Dharmesh Patel to participate in a mental health diversion program, which requires outpatient treatment for diagnosed mental illness instead of trial. Patel, diagnosed with major depressive disorder, must wear a GPS bracelet, undergo weekly drug tests, and take prescribed medication. He is confined to his parents' home in Belmont, California, with restrictions on driving, practicing medicine, and owning firearms until completing a two-year program. If he completes the program, the charges will be dropped. Patel surrendered his passport and driver's license.