DA casts on case of California doctor accused of murdering wife and kids by ... trends now
Prosecutors have cast doubt on the case of a California doctor accused of trying to kill his wife and two children by driving his Tesla off a 250ft cliff - with the car's brakes being probed over whether they failed.
Dharmesh Patel, 41, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder his wife Neha, 41, their four-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter after allegedly making a U-turn at Devil's Slide in California on January 2.
But Dist. Atty. Steve Wagstaffe is now exploring the possibility the Tesla Model Y may have experienced mechanical problems that led to the crash.
'Did the brakes fail? Were the brakes working? Were there any other mechanical malfunctions that would have led to him not being able to stop the vehicle?' Wagstaffe told the LA Times. 'We're having the car looked at from top to bottom.'
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Dharmesh A. Patel, 41, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempting to murder his wife Neha, 41, and their four-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter after allegedly making a U-turn at Devil's Slide in California on January 2
Miraculously the family of four survived the plunge to the water's edge without sustaining life-threatening injuries. The mangled Tesla Model Y is pictured after the smash
The rescue effort at dusk on Monday after emergency teams realized the family was alive
The DA's office was still in the early stages of the investigation, he added.
Miraculously the family of four survived the plunge to the water's edge without sustaining life-threatening injuries.
However, the celebration of their rescue was short-lived when Patel was arrested at Stanford Hospital the following day.
Police said Patel was to be charged with attempted homicide and child abuse, with authorities alleging a botched murder-suicide.
The radiologist has since been transferred to San Mateo Medical Center, Wagstaffe said.
He has not yet been formally booked as he is still receiving treatment.
It is unclear whether his wife and children are
