The articles kinda vague on why exactly the driver is being charged, though. Reading between the lines, I suspect its not just because he had the autopilot engaged, but was engaged in some form of gross negligence at the same time (sleeping, playing videogames on his phone, etc).
Failing to actively supervising the driving of the vehicle while autopilot is engaged is probably enough to sustain the mens rea for criminally negligent homicide.
Isn't blowing through a red light directly resulting in the deaths of two people typically going to result in vehicular manslaughter charges? In other words, blowing through a red light is a sufficient amount of negligence in my mind for vehicular manslaughter.
I don't think so, though I'm not positive. The cases I see in the news usually involve some extra piece of wrong doing (being under the influence, almost exclusively).
The example the parent gives is potentially a criminal liability as well. If you know the railing on your balcony is wobbly and a guest leaning on it falls to their death, you're definitely open to criminal negligence charges coming your way.
After the criminal case is resolved, the victims or their next-of-kin will probably try to sue the driver and Tesla in civil court for wrongful death.