The driver of the Model 3 in the Texas house crash a couple of weeks ago has been charged with Manslaughter, and officials say he made Google searches in May about FSD not being aggressive enough.
"As the vehicle was about to turn, however, the accelerator pedal was pressed, overriding the FSD's speed control. This time, the pressure was applied quickly but gradually down onto the pedal, causing a fast but gradual increase in the speed of the vehicle (as opposed to a sudden, accidental, heavy thump or slam-down). On the video, I saw BUTLER's Tesla continue to increase in speed, and saw the amount of pressure being applied to the accelerator pedal also increase in speed. In about 6 seconds, the accelerator pedal was pressed all the way down to 100%, "pedal to the metal," and the vehicle reached a speed of 73 miles per hour, more than double the speed limit on that residential street. The Tesla continued straight towards the middle of the cul-de-sac, struck the curb of the complainant's driveway, and went airborne towards the front of the home. At that point, the video footage ended.
I noted that the brake pedal was never pressed in the final minute before the crash. I also did not see any data to indicate that the driver attempted to turn away from the curb that he eventually struck. Further, I observed that no mechanical error was detected or recorded by the vehicle before BUTLER and the Tesla struck the curb.
I spoke to Sergeant Troyer, HCSO Deputy J. Hildebrandt, and Investigator Veal, who all had the opportunity to look inside the Tesla after the crash. They each confirmed to me that they did not observe any issue with the floor mat of the vehicle or any indication that the accelerator pedal was stuck or had been stuck in place by any sort of vehicle malfunction or external object.
Investigator Veal also informed me that he had received BUTLER's cell phone from Deputy Amad and that HDAO digital forensics team had completed a data extraction and download of the phone. Multiple Google searches related to Tesla had been made from BUTLER's phone in the months leading up the crash. I noted multiple searches in May of 2026 indicating an apparent frustration with Tesla's FSD mode, including the following searches: "Tesla fsd not aggressive enough 2026 model," "Tesla fsd not [sic) aggressive enough 2026," "FSD is not aggressive enough for city driving," and "tesla fsd too timid."
Based on: (1) the videos of BUTLER and his Tesla before and during the crash, (2) the black box data showing the live activity of the accelerator pedal, steering, and speed before and during the crash, (3) the Google searches demonstrating BUTLER's recent frustration with the "timid" nature of FSD mode, (4) the absence of any evidence of mechanical failure in the Tesla; and (5) the absence of any medical evidence, despite thorough hospital testing and evaluation, that BUTLER had any seizure, heart attack, or stroke, I have reason to believe and do believe that BUTLER recklessly caused the death of Martha Avila by applying pressure to the accelerator pedal in his Tesla, overriding FSD mode's speed control, traveling at a speed more than double the speed limit, failing to brake, failing to control speed, driving off the road, driving towards a house, and driving into and through a house, where he struck and killed Avila.
Therefore, I have probable cause to believe Bulter committed the felony offense of MANSLAUGHTER."
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A family’s ordinary evening turned into a nightmare when a Tesla came crashing through the front of their Texas home.
The crash killed 76-year-old Martha Avila Mantilla, according to her family. Investigators say the driver told authorities an automated driving assistance system was engaged, though it has not been confirmed whether any self-driving features were active.
“My mom didn’t deserve this,” the victim’s daughter wrote while sharing surveillance footage of the deadly crash.
Drove a Model S Plaid today.
It was the last Tesla model I had yet to drive.
Launched it a couple of times. It was great.
BUT
I would choose my Model 3 Performance every time. Launching felt comparable and the ride quality and cabin noise was worse.
M3P Forever 🏎️