Tesla Driver Charged With Manslaughter in Texas Fatal Crash
A Tesla driver has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal crash in Texas where a woman was killed inside her home. The driver claims the vehicle was using Tesla's FSD system.
A man whose Tesla crashed and killed a woman inside her Texas home last month now faces manslaughter charges. Michael Butler, 44, was arrested on Wednesday. The incident occurred while Butler was driving his Model 3.
According to an arrest affidavit, Butler claimed he was using Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD) system at the time of the crash. The affidavit included statements from officers who stated that data extraction from Butler's phone revealed searches related to FSD, including terms like "Tesla fsd not aggressive enough 2026 model."
Authorities are investigating the precise circumstances of the crash and the role, if any, that the FSD system played. The details underscore ongoing discussions about the capabilities and safety protocols of advanced driver-assistance systems.
The case highlights regulatory and legal questions surrounding autonomous vehicle technology and its real-world application.