A Texas man has been charged with manslaughter after authorities say the Tesla he was driving crashed into a family home, resulting in the death of a 76-year-old grandmother.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Michael David Butler was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, in connection with the June 19 crash in Katy, Texas. Investigators say Butler was behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 when it left the roadway and slammed into a brick home, fatally injuring Martha Avila, who was inside at the time.

Avila was flown to a nearby hospital by Life Flight but later died from the injuries she sustained in the collision.

Butler is currently being held at the Harris County Jail on a $150,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, July 6.

Deputies said the crash occurred around 8 p.m. after the Tesla failed to remain in a single lane before veering off the road. The vehicle then crashed into the residence at what investigators described as a high rate of speed.

Following the incident, Butler reportedly told investigators that the vehicle’s Autopilot system was engaged when the crash occurred, according to Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Terry Allbritton.

Authorities said there were no signs that Butler was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and they noted that he cooperated fully with the investigation. He was also transported to a hospital for treatment.

At the time of the crash, Avila was staying at the home with her daughter, Jennifer Barbour, Barbour’s husband, and their three young children.

Speaking to KHOU 11, Barbour said the family had been enjoying a normal evening when she heard a loud explosion from the backyard. After making sure her husband and children were safe, they discovered Avila had been struck.

“The kids are devastated,” Barbour said, describing the emotional impact the loss has had on her children.

In the weeks following the tragedy, the Barbour family filed a lawsuit against both Butler and Tesla.

According to the complaint, the Tesla involved in the crash was equipped with Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology that the family alleges was defective and unsafe for normal operation. The lawsuit claims those alleged defects contributed to the crash and Avila’s death, and further argues that Tesla knew—or should have known—about potential safety risks but failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions.

The complaint also alleges Butler acted negligently by failing to operate the vehicle with reasonable care.

The family is seeking compensation for personal injuries, as well as wrongful death and survival damages on behalf of Avila’s estate.

“Martha’s family is understandably devastated,” attorney Ryan Zehl, who represents the Barbours, said in a statement. “There is no circumstance where a vehicle should ever crash into a home. We intend to examine every factor involved—from the driver and the vehicle to its software and any autonomous driving or crash avoidance systems—to understand exactly what happened and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”

Source: People