According to court documents, on February 10, 2014, a GMC Yukon allegedly rear-ended a Chevrolet Malibu parked on the shoulder near I-435 and Missouri 152. The driver of the Malibu, Donald G. Rippy, was transported to North Kansas City Hospital and pronounced dead. A passenger in the Malibu was also transported to North Kansas City Hospital for treatment.
Highway patrol officers who contacted Battaglia at the scene said he appeared disoriented and confused. 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. An analysis of his blood indicated Battaglia’s blood contained amphetamine, alprazolam, carisoprodol, hydroxybuproprion and meprobamate.
Judge Tom Fincham set bond at $50,000. If convicted of first degree involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance, Battaglia faces up to seven years in prison on each count.