Kansas City man pleads guilty to causing fatal accident while on prescription drugs

A 30-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday to causing the death of a grandfather whose vehicle was parked along a Platte County road.

Anthony J. Battaglia of Kansas City was charged last May with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance for allegedly driving more than 80 mph after taking several different prescription drugs. Battagalia pleaded guilty to those criminal charges Thursday.

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd said his office will recommend that Battaglia be sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The fatal two-vehicle accident occurred Feb. 10, 2014, on Missouri 152 near Interstate 435 in Parkville. The victim, Donald G. Rippy, was following his grandson on the highway in a separate vehicle when the grandson’s 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo overheated.

The flasher lights on Rippy’s Chevrolet Malibu were turned on while he and his grandson waited for the Monte Carlo’s engine to cool. A GMC Yukon driven by Battaglia rear-ended the Malibu, which was parked on the highway shoulder.

Rippy was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital, where he died. The grandson was treated for minor injuries.

Battaglia appeared disoriented and confused when police asked him where he was going. An analysis of Battaglia’s blood showed it contained amphetamine, alprazolam, carisoprodol, hydroxybupropion and meprobamate, according to court records.

His sentencing is schedule for June 11.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 10:48 AM with the headline "Kansas City man pleads guilty to causing fatal accident while on prescription drugs."