Charged with manslaughter over Tesla crash initially blamed on self-driving mode
3 hours ago
- #Manslaughter Arrest
- #Tesla Crash
- #Self-Driving Investigation
- Michael Butler arrested for manslaughter after Tesla Model 3 crash killed Martha Avila.
- Tesla executives claim driver manually overrode self-driving by pressing accelerator to 100%.
- Federal agencies NTSB and NHTSA investigating the crash amid broader scrutiny of Tesla's autopilot systems.
- Avila's family filed wrongful death lawsuit alleging defective self-driving technology and gross negligence.
- Tesla recalled 2 million vehicles in 2023 to improve driver attention during autopilot use.
- NHTSA has opened nearly 50 special investigations into Tesla crashes since 2016, with about two dozen deaths reported.
- Tesla sales and stock fell in early 2025 due to boycott linked to Elon Musk's political involvement, but recent figures show recovery.