Full Breakdown
Judge Dismisses Attempted-Murder Charges Against Pasadena Radiologist After Completing Mental-Health Diversion
7/8/2026, 1:51:58 PM
The Incident and Dismissal
On January 2 2023, Dharmesh A. Patel, a 45-year-old radiologist from Pasadena, drove his Tesla off a 250-foot section of Highway 1 known as Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County. His wife, Neha Patel, and their children, ages 4 and 7, survived; the wife sustained serious spinal injuries while the children escaped with minor or no injuries. Patel was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder. After completing a court-ordered two-year mental-health diversion program, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Sharon Cho dismissed all charges on July 8 2026, sealed his record, and returned his passport.
Legal Framework and Patel’s Treatment
California’s 2018 mental-health diversion statute allows defendants whose mental illness contributed to an offense to receive treatment instead of prosecution, provided they meet eligibility criteria. Patel entered the program in August 2024 after a judge found him “eligible and suitable.” The diversion required weekly visits to a Stanford psychiatrist, regular family-therapy sessions, GPS monitoring, abstention from alcohol and drugs, and twice-weekly drug testing. Completion of the program automatically triggers dismissal of the charges, as mandated by law.
Key Actors
- Dharmesh A. Patel – Radiologist, defendant.
- Steve Wagstaffe – San Mateo County District Attorney, opponent of the diversion.
- Judge Sharon Cho – Presiding judge who ordered dismissal.
- Neha Patel – Wife, testified she did not want her husband prosecuted.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom – Signed Assembly Bill 46, tightening diversion eligibility.
Timeline
- Jan 2 2023 – Crash at Devil’s Slide; all occupants survive.
- Aug 2024 – Judge Susan M. Jakubowski approves Patel’s diversion eligibility.
- 2024-2026 – Patel completes therapy, GPS monitoring, and drug testing.
- July 8 2026 – Judge Sharon Cho dismisses charges; passport returned.
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Wagstaffe said the dismissal was required by law because Patel fulfilled every condition of the diversion, but he expressed disappointment that the statute allowed a defendant accused of premeditated attempted murder to avoid trial. He added that prosecutors are working with lawmakers to amend the law. The court noted Patel’s compliance and ordered the lifting of a no-harassment order. Patel’s attorney declined comment.
Opposition and Legislative Response
Wagstaffe and other prosecutors have argued that attempted murder should be excluded from diversion eligibility, citing public-safety concerns. In response, Gov. Newsom signed AB 46, granting judges broader discretion to deny diversion when a defendant poses a risk. The bill originally sought to bar attempted-murder cases entirely, but that language was removed during revision. Critics fear the change may still allow serious offenses to bypass incarceration.
Rescue Details
Firefighters used ropes to extract the family from the wreckage; paramedics reported the incident as “almost miraculous.” The California Highway Patrol classified the act as intentional, and emergency responders noted the children emerged uninjured while the wife required spinal care.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Wife’s name appears as Neha Patel in most reports, but KTVU lists her as Bubna.
- Cliff height is cited as 250 feet (CNN, NYT) and 300 feet (ABC 7).
- Judge’s identity varies: Judge Susan M. Jakubowski approved diversion in 2024, while Judge Sharon Cho dismissed charges in 2026.
- License surrender date is given as December 2023 (CNN) and November 2024 (LA Times).
Verbatim Quotes
- “The judge was required by the law to dismiss the charges,” — Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney
- “He complied with the conditions,” — Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney
- “Wow, boy, did he get the break of breaks,” — Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney
- “He can drive home tonight,” — Steve Wagstaffe, District Attorney
What’s Next
Patel’s medical license remains surrendered; the Medical Board of California has not indicated whether reinstatement will be considered. AB 46 will be applied in future diversion petitions, potentially limiting eligibility for serious violent offenses. Patel is now free to resume normal travel, pending any future legal or professional actions.
