What did Parth Gandhi do? Utah doctor kills 16-year-old son in apparent murder-suicide

Utah authorities announced on Monday, May 15, that 49-year-old doctor Parth Gandhi reportedly murdered his 16-year-old before killing himself in what appears to be a murder suicide. The incident occured at an office building near Sunny Park in Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 13. Gandhi's motive behind the crime currently remain unknown.

Trigger warning: This article concerns a violent murder suicide, reader discretion is advised.

According to KSLTV, the building where the incident took place was identified as the Offices of Psychedelic Therapy and Research in Salt Lake City. Parth Gandhi worked in the premises as a neuropsychologist and clinic director, with what his website described as a 'focus on psychedelics.' It is unknown whether the 'psychedelics' he was referring to in his bio were illegal substances.

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Timeline of the investigation into the death of Parth Gandhi

Prior to the slaying, Parth Gandhi was treating various patients for depression and other mental health issues. He also had a Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology and neuropsychology with a focus on neuro-imaging and neuropsychology. In his bio, he asserted the usefulness of using psychedelics to treat issues such as addiction and trauma.

According to Rachel Cieslewicz, the owner of Centered City Yoga, Parth Gandhi used to teach yoga at her studio. She said that the latter was a helpful individual who often volunteered for youth programs. Cieslewicz added that Gandhi had been a normal individual, and that she would never have expected him to be involved in such a gruesome tragedy.

Ciezlewicz concluded by saying to Fox News reporters:

“Just reeling over it — I’m in utter shock. It’s not something I ever see coming from him at all."

Denise Druce, another woman who knew Parth Gandhi from the 24-hour fitness studio, also commented on the situation:

“Until we have more details, I’m going to reserve judgment and just hold a lot of compassion in my heart for the people who are left in the aftermath of this overall."

In an official statement, Utah authorities said that the school Parth Gandhi's son attended has been notified of his murder. The teenager's identity has not been disclosed as he is a minor.

Brent Weisberg of the Salt Lake City Police Department said that Gandhi's motive remains unknown:

“Our detectives right now, they’re still developing more information trying to figure out, trying to answer the question of what may have motivated him to do this."

According to Fox, Gandhi had been awarded full custody of his son in February, 2022, after a divorce with his now ex-wife, Leah Moses. According to Moses' friend, Anne Blythe, a custody evaluation report was filed in court a week before the murder suicide. Authorities are investigating whether these factors may be connected.