safety
Driver charged with manslaughter after Tesla crashes into Katy-area home, killing 76-year-old woman
By Ninfa Saavedra, T.J. Parker at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
The driver accused of crashing a Tesla into a Katy-area home, killing a 76-year-old woman, has now been charged with manslaughter, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced Wednesday that 44-year-old Michael Butler has been charged with manslaught...
Key takeaway Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced Wednesday that 44-year-old Michael Butler has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the June 19 crash that killed 76-year-old Martha Avila.
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The driver accused of crashing a Tesla into a Katy-area home, killing a 76-year-old woman, has now been charged with manslaughter, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced Wednesday that 44-year-old Michael Butler has been charged with manslaught...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ninfa Saavedra, T.J. Parker at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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