Doctor's murder charges dropped after cliff plunge

Charges of attempted murder against Dr. Dharvish Arvin Patel were officially dismissed on Monday at a mental health court hearing. This decision came after Patel successfully concluded a two-year mental health diversion program, as mandated by the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.

Patel, 45, had been charged with three counts of attempted murder following a dramatic incident on January 2, 2023. He was driving his Tesla with his wife and two young children along Highway 1 in California when he drove off a cliff at Devil's Slide, plunging 250 feet.

All four family members survived the fall, with one child sustaining only minor injuries. A judge had previously found Patel eligible for mental health diversion, noting his diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Following his release, he was subject to monitoring and restrictions.