Man Charged With Manslaughter After Tesla Crashes Into Katy Home, Killing 76-Year-Old Woman

KATY, Texas — A man has been charged with manslaughter after authorities say he drove a Tesla into a home in the Katy area, killing a 76-year-old woman.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced that Michael Butler, 44, has been charged by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division in connection with the June 19 crash.

According to investigators, Butler allegedly drove a Tesla into a residence in the 1900 block of Blooming Park Lane, where the vehicle struck 76-year-old Martha Ávila.

Ávila died as a result of the incident.

Following the investigation, Butler was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail.

Sheriff Gonzalez thanked investigators and the Texas Department of Public Safety for their assistance in the case.

“Great work by everyone involved. We appreciate our partners with the Texas Department of Public Safety for assisting us with the arrest,” Gonzalez said.

The investigation remains ongoing.