local
Pasadena doctor who drove family off cliff has charges of attempted murder dismissed
By Clara Harter at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
The three attempted murder charges against a Pasadena doctor who drove his car off a 250-foot cliff with his wife and two young children inside were dismissed after he completed a mental health diversion program.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The dismissal of attempted murder charges against the Pasadena doctor raises questions about the effectiveness of mental health diversion programs in Los Angeles County. By completing the program, the doctor was able to have the charges dismissed, sparking concern about the balance between holding individuals accountable for their actions and providing them with necessary treatment. This case may prompt local officials to reexamine the criteria for participating in such programs, particularly in cases involving violent offenses. The fact that the doctor's actions put his own family at risk of serious harm will likely be a factor in any future discussions about the diversion program's efficacy. As the community moves forward, it will be important to monitor how similar cases are handled in the future, and whether the diversion program is truly serving the needs of justice and public safety in Los Angeles County.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Los Angeles stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The three attempted murder charges against a Pasadena doctor who drove his car off a 250-foot cliff with his wife and two young children inside were dismissed after he completed a mental health diversion program.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Clara Harter at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter