Texas driver Michael Butler charged with manslaughter after crash into home
Michael Butler faces manslaughter charges after his vehicle struck a residence in Katy, Texas, killing 76‑year‑old Martha Avila.
Michael Butler was charged with manslaughter in connection with a crash that killed a woman in Texas, according to multiple news outlets. The driver failed to remain within a single lane, veered off the road, left the roadway and struck a brick residence.
The crash occurred on June 19 near Houston/Katy, Texas, at about 8 p.m. local time, according to ABC News. The vehicle entered the brick residence at a high rate of speed. Martha Avila, 76, was airlifted to a hospital and later pronounced dead. The Guardian reported that Butler was arrested in connection with the June 19 crash.
ABC News added that Butler showed no signs of intoxication and was cooperating with officers. The report also noted that Butler was operating the vehicle with an automated driving assistance system at the time of the incident.
Accounts differ on whether the vehicle’s self‑driving mode was active. One source claims the Tesla was operating in self‑driving/autopilot mode at the time of the crash, while another source states that Michael Butler disabled the car’s self‑driving mode before the crash.
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corroboration pass — 2 corroborated across opposed news blocs,
1 contested (attributed to both sides), 6
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