Tesla driver charged after crash that killed 76-year-old woman in Katy 

KATY, TX – A Tesla driver who crashed his car into a Katy home and claimed the life of a 76-year-old woman last month has been charged with manslaughter, KHOU reports.

This comes as an update in connection with our previous reporting. The Tesla driver, identified as 44-year-old Michael Butler, appeared in a probable cause court on Thursday and had his bond set to $150,000.

If Butler posts bond, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor, be placed under curfew, and be prohibited from driving.

On the day of the crash, Butler was driving a Tesla Model 3 on Rose Hollow Lane when he lost control of it and crashed into a home off  Westgreen Boulevard and Highland Knolls.

Butler’s Tesla struck a 76-year-old woman, later identified as Martha Avila.

Avila was pinned underneath the vehicle and later died from her injuries.

Vehicle data also confirmed Butler pressed the accelerator to 100% and was going 73mph in the neighborhood prior to the crash.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the details behind the crash.

In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board also opened a safety investigation into the crash.

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