Tesla Driver Charged Following Deadly Residential Crash
A Texas man has been charged with manslaughter after a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a home in Katy, Texas, resulting in the death of a 76-year-old woman. The June 19 collision has drawn widespread attention because the driver claimed the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system was active when the crash occurred.
According to investigators, the Tesla left the roadway and slammed through the front of the residence, fatally striking Martha Avila inside the home. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The driver, 44-year-old Michael David Butler, now faces criminal charges while multiple federal agencies continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators Question Self-Driving Claim
Court documents indicate Butler told authorities he had activated Tesla’s driver-assistance technology before the crash. However, investigators reviewing vehicle data allege the driver manually accelerated the vehicle by fully pressing the accelerator pedal, overriding the automated driving system.
Officials reported the vehicle reached approximately 73 mph in a residential area with a 35 mph speed limit. Investigators also found no evidence that the brakes were applied in the moments leading up to the impact.
Authorities said Butler showed no signs of alcohol or drug impairment, and toxicology results did not indicate intoxication.
Family Files Lawsuit as Federal Investigation Continues
The victim’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both the driver and Tesla, alleging negligence and claiming the company’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems failed to provide adequate safety protections or warnings.
The crash is also under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), adding to ongoing federal scrutiny of Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance technology.
Tesla has maintained that its Full Self-Driving and Autopilot features require drivers to remain fully attentive and prepared to take control of the vehicle at all times. Company representatives have stated that vehicle data suggests the automated system was overridden before the crash occurred.
If convicted, Butler could face significant penalties under Texas law, where manslaughter is classified as a second-degree felony.
