Parth Gandhi: Utah community in 'utter shock' after doctor kills son, 16, and himself in murder-suicide

2023-05-18 11:56

A friend said, 'Not homeless, not unsuccessful, just a normal guy that seemed to always be seeking community'

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: The Utah community is reeling from the shock of a doctor killing his son and then himself in a horrific murder-suicide. The remains were found at 2936 S Highland Drive inside an office building at 11:15 am when Salt Lake City Fire and Gold Cross arrived on the scene. Police revealed on Monday that Parth Gandhi, 49, killed his 16-year-old son before killing himself. The teen's name has not been made public by the police. The murder-suicide, according to police, "involved a firearm."

Brent Weisberg, Salt Lake City Police Department Spokesperson said, "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." Gandhi who worked at the offices of Psychedelic Therapy and Research in Salt Lake City, reportedly discussed treatments for substance misuse, depression, and anxiety on social media, according to KSLTV. He also made a Facebook post in December 2022 to acknowledge his son's musical prowess.

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Who was Parth Gandhi?

The 49-year-old Parth Gandhi resided close to Sunnyside Park and had an office in the building where the bodies were discovered. He obtained a doctor of philosophy in clinical psychology and neuropsychology with a focus on neuro-imaging and brain injury, according to his website. He also worked as a psychedelic therapist, Deseret reported.

'It is uncertain if any drugs or psychedelics were used'

Gandhi is well-known in the healing community for his work with psychedelics, particularly as they apply to the treatment of addiction, depression, autism, and concussions. His website states that he established Salt Lake City Psychedelic Therapy and Research with the intention of safely and legally introducing psychedelics to Utah. It is uncertain if any drugs or psychedelics were used before the murder-suicide, according to Salt Lake City police. "Our investigation is still ongoing, anytime we have a death investigation, it is routine and it would not be uncommon for as part of the autopsy to do any toxicology reports, so all of that will still be pending," Salt Lake City Police Department Spokesperson explained.

'He ran events at his house'

Apparently, Denise Druce has known Gandhi for 12 years. "He was a student in my yoga and cycle classes at 24-Hour Fitness," stated Druce. Although she hadn't seen Gandhi in about a year, Druce told FOX 13 News that she remembered him as a people person. "He ran events at his house, yoga events and meditation events. I was at his house a couple of times and was able to meet his kids," said Druce. "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."

'It's not something I ever see coming from him at all'

Rachel Cieslewicz owns Centered City Yoga. She claims that Gandhi began providing yoga instruction for them in 2018 and halted around the time of the pandemic in 2020 before returning to provide a small amount of instruction once they reopened. He reportedly last taught there around one and a half years ago. "We had youth groups at our studio. He would volunteer and teach for free just to help the kids," stated Cieslewicz. "Just reeling over it — I'm in utter shock. It's not something I ever see coming from him at all."

'Mental health and support is always important'

A friend who "had not been in contact with Gandhi for a few years" took to Facebook and wrote, "Mental health and support is always important and at times like this its even more important to support each other in loss, mourning, and grief in all the varied forms it can take, especially when there is shock involved with the loss."

'A sad day for Utah's Yoga Community'

Druce also wrote on Facebook, "A sad day for Utah's Yoga Community. Parth Gandhi I can't even begin to imagine what you were going through, but you and your son will be missed."

'A really great dad'

Laurie Frazier, another friend shared a lengthy post discussing her thoughts over the shocking murder-suicide. "Such devastating news—I'm in shock. I knew he had struggled with depression in the past and had his shadows like the rest of us. But to kill your own son—what kind of emotional state must you be in?" wrote Frazier. She stated that Parth had full custody of his children for well over a decade and "appeared to be a really great dad" from the outside. He was a "brilliant man and a neuropsychologist." Nothing typical" about this situation, she continued. "Not homeless, not unsuccessful, just a normal guy that seemed to always be seeking community."