KATY — Michael Butler, 44, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a June 19, 2026, crash in Katy that resulted in the death of 76-year-old Martha Avila. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced the charge on July 2, 2026.

The crash occurred on June 19, 2026, in the 1900 block of Blooming Park Lane. Investigators stated that the Tesla was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to make a turn, causing it to leave the roadway and crash through the front wall of a home.

Avila was inside the home when she was struck. She was transported to a hospital where she later died from her injuries. Butler was booked into the Harris County Jail following the announcement of the charge.

Butler informed deputies that the Tesla was operating on Autopilot at the time of the collision. However, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Tesla provided vehicle data indicating Butler had overridden the system before the collision. Investigators have not found any evidence of a mechanical malfunction with the Tesla.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated a special crash investigation into the incident. Separately, Jennifer Barbour, Martha Avila's daughter, and Justin Barbour, Avila's son-in-law, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Butler and Tesla. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems were defective and did not prevent the crash. It also claims Butler was negligent in operating the vehicle. Justin Barbour sustained injuries to his neck, back, and shoulders during the incident. The family is seeking more than $1 million in damages.