Driver charged with manslaughter after Tesla crashes into home, killing woman: Sheriff

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The Tesla driver who claimed his car was in self-driving mode when it crashed into a home and killed a woman has been charged with manslaughter, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Online court records show Michael Butler was booked into the Harris County jail on Wednesday.

The crash killed 76-year-old Martha Avila, who was inside the home on Blooming Park on June 19.

Investigators said Butler claimed his car was in self-driving mode, but Tesla disputed that and claimed he overrode the feature.

Court documents detailing the specific criminal allegations were not available at the time of publication.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Driver told deputies Tesla was on Autopilot during crash through Katy-area home, killing woman: HCSO