A Texas man has been charged with manslaughter after authorities said his Tesla crashed into a home last month, killing a 76-year-old grandmother.According to court documents, Michael David Butler, 44, told investigators he was driving a Tesla Model 3 with a Tesla driver-assistance system engaged when it crashed into Martha Avila's home in Katy on June 19.He later told paramedics the vehicle was on "Autopilot," according to the affidavit.
Tesla has disputed that account.Avila was inside the residence when the vehicle crashed into the home.She was flown by Life Flight to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.CHARTER BUS DRIVER WHO ALLEGEDLY CAUSED CRASH KILLING 5 IN VIRGINIA CHARGED WITH INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTERMichael David Butler has been charged with manslaughter after authorities said his Tesla crashed into a Katy, Texas, home, killing 76-year-old Martha Avila.
Butler was arrested Thursday and charged with manslaughter, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.According to an arrest affidavit, Butler told investigators he was making a DoorDash delivery when he adjusted the music on the Tesla's touchscreen before he "passed out."The affidavit alleges the vehicle reached 73 mph — more than double the posted speed limit — and that the brake pedal was not applied during the minutes leading up to the crash.NASA NUCLEAR ENGINEER FOUND DEAD IN BURNED TESLA AFTER VANISHING FROM HIS ALABAMA HOME LAST YEARA 76-year-old woman was killed after a Tesla in autopilot mode crashed into her Texas home.(Jennifer Barbour via Storyful)The sheriff's office said Butler failed to maintain a single lane before leaving the roadway and crashing through the side of the home.Ring doorbell footage of the crash shows the vehicle slamming into the house at a high rate of speed.According to the affidavit, Butler denied feeling ill or consuming alcohol or drugs before the crash.'TESLA ROAD RAGE DRIVER' SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON AFTER ATTACKING MOTHER AND DA...