Manslaughter charged in alleged DUI fatality crash

The Platte County Prosecutor’s Office has filed an involuntary manslaughter charge against a Kansas City man it alleges was under the influence of numerous drugs when his car struck a parked vehicle and killed the driver. Anthony J. Battaglia, 29, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance after allegedly driving at more than 80 miles per hour while on several different prescription drugs. Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said charges were filed May 2 following an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. According to court documents, on Feb. 10, a GMC Yukon driven by Battaglia allegedly rear-ended a Chevrolet Malibu parked on the shoulder near I-435 and Missouri 152. An analysis by the Highway Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Unit estimated that Battaglia’s Yukon was travelling in excess of 80 miles per hour seconds before the impact. The driver of the Malibu, Donald G. Rippy, was transported to North Kansas City Hospital and pronounced dead. The passenger of the Malibu was also injured and transported to North Kansas City Hospital for treatment. Highway patrol officers who contacted Battaglia at the scene said he appeared disoriented and confused. Battaglia was arrested and a search warrant was obtained to test his blood. An analysis of his blood indicated Battaglia’s blood contained amphetamine, alprazolam, carisoprodol, hydroxybuproprion and meprobamate. Platte County Judge Tom Fincham issued a warrant for Battaglia’s arrest and set bond at $50,000. Battaglie posted bond and is scheduled to appear in Platte County Court June 3. If convicted of first degree involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance, Battaglia faces up to seven years in prison on each count