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Manslaughter Charges in Tesla FSD Fatality
3 Jul
Summary
- Driver charged with manslaughter after Tesla crash.
- Tesla's Full Self-Driving system allegedly active.
- Investigation reveals accelerator pressed to 100%.
Michael Butler, 44, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter following a fatal incident last month where his Tesla Model 3 crashed into a residential home in Katy, Texas. The vehicle, reportedly operating on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, struck and killed 76-year-old Martha Avila.
Data extracted from Butler's phone revealed Google searches from May 2026 concerning FSD's aggressiveness. Investigators found that the accelerator pedal was fully engaged, overriding FSD's speed control, and reached 73 miles per hour in a residential zone. The brake pedal was not used in the minute before the crash.
Butler reportedly told emergency personnel and hospital providers that the car was on autopilot and that he may have passed out. Hospital evaluations found no alcohol or drugs in his system. Avila's family has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla and Butler, while the NHTSA and NTSB are conducting separate investigations into the crash.
