Tesla crash: Indian-American pleads not guilty to attempted murder
An Indian-American has entered a not guilty plea to attempted murder after being accused of intentionally driving his tesla down a cliff in california while his wife and kids were inside. "Attempted first-degree murder and child abuse, as well as enhancements for serious bodily injury and domestic abuse," are the charges brought against Dharmesh A. patel, 41, of Pasadena. patel, a radiologist at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, appeared before a Redwood City magistrate last week and pleaded not guilty. patel may receive a life term in jail if found guilty on all three murder charges.
According to The New York Post, patel has retained Joshua Bentley, a well-known california attorney, to represent him in court. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for march 20. According to San Mateo district Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, Patel's wife's story, witness testimonies from other drivers, and video of the roadway provided sufficient evidence to support charges against him. patel had been ordered held at the Maguire Correctional Facility without bail by a San Mateo judge due to the risk to his family.
On january 2, Patel's car was travelling south on State Route 1 when, at Devil's Slide, south of the tom Lantos Tunnels, it plunged over a 250-foot cliff, rolled over, and landed on its wheels close to the ocean. Firefighters had to break the car open in order to remove Patel's two kids, a boy and a girl, both ages four and seven, from it. The boy was spared with only bruises, while the girl was left with a critical wound. A rope was used to remove the pair from the car's windows. Investigators have not yet determined Patel's motivation for performing the act.