Parth Gandhi, a well-known doctor and advocate for psychedelic therapy, has been implicated in the murder-suicide of his teenage son. The tragedy occurred amidst a bitter decade-long custody battle in Salt Lake City, Utah.

On May 13, 2023, local authorities received a distressing call reporting a body found at the Psychedelic Therapy and Research office complex. Responding to the call, law enforcement discovered the lifeless bodies of Dr. Parth Gandhi, 49, and his 16-year-old son, Om Moses Gandhi.

Psychedelic Therapy doctor accused of abuse

Dr. Parth Gandhi was a psychologist and neuroscientist who advanced the clinical use of psychedelic therapy. He was the founder and director of the SCPTR clinic, the first psychedelic research and therapy company in Utah.

The custody dispute between Parth Gandhi and Om’s mother, Leah Moses had been ongoing for years. Friends and supporters of Moses assert that she had made numerous abuse allegations against Gandhi throughout their tumultuous relationship. 

Court records show that Moses had filed for divorce in 2009, which triggered a protracted legal battle. She also sought protective orders against Gandhi in 2009 and 2011. 

Despite the finalization of their divorce in 2014, the conflict continued.

In 2019, Gandhi initiated a custodial interference case against Moses, but it was eventually dismissed. Nevertheless, the court granted Moses full custody of her daughter in 2021, a decision that was celebrated by those close to her.

“Adding to the weight of the worst news any parent could receive was the fact that she had tried to warn law enforcement, child protective services, and the courts that her ex-husband was an abuser – for over fifteen years!” said Cherise Udell, a friend of Leah’s.

Remembering Om

Om Moses Gandhi, a high school junior, was fondly remembered by loved ones as a kind-hearted individual. Despite enduring years of witnessing abuse, Om's primary concern was the safety and well-being of his younger sister and mother. 

He was described as an exceptional musician, excelling in playing the piano, bass clarinet, drums, and saxophone. Om's gentle smile and infectious laugh brought warmth to those fortunate enough to have known him. 

Tragically, he was holding his beloved saxophone on the day he was senselessly murdered, leaving his family and friends devastated by the loss of his promising future.

A GoFundMe has been started for Om by a family friend. 

The Aftermath

Leah asks that those who care about her son’s tragic death, donate to Om’s Memorial Fund.

The funds will help pass Kayden's Law and expand the Safe Harbor Crisis Center, the sole domestic violence and sexual assault survivor service in Davis County.

Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).