Tesla Driver Charged With Manslaughter After Fatal Home Crash, Blames FSD

A 44-year-old Tesla driver has been charged with manslaughter after a June 19 crash in Katy, Texas, where his Model 3 plowed into a home and killed a 69-year-old grandmother. Michael Butler, 44, allegedly overrode Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system and accelerated to 73 mph before the collision, according to investigators. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed the charges, stating that vehicle data showed 100 percent accelerator input with no braking in the final minute before impact. No mechanical defects, stuck accelerator, or floor mat interference were found. Medical tests ruled out impairment or medical emergencies. Butler had reportedly told investigators he was using FSD while making DoorDash deliveries, but authorities say the data contradicts his claim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a special investigation into Tesla’s role. Meanwhile, the victim’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Butler and Tesla, seeking over $1 million in damages, alleging defects in Autopilot and FSD systems and negligent operation by Butler.