Driver Withdraws Guilty Plea in Triple Fatality Case

Andrew Blankenship, who pleaded guilty to charges related to a fatal crash that killed three people on I-275 in April 2023, has withdrawn his plea just before sentencing. The crash, which involved Blankenship driving intoxicated at high speeds without headlights, resulted in the deaths of 66-year-old Richard Glaser, 22-year-old Janaya Glover, and 38-year-old tow truck driver Keith Skaggs. His legal team cited the change of judges as a key reason for the withdrawal, as the original judge, Tom Heekin, was on medical leave. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers expressed disappointment over the delay in justice for the victims' families, emphasizing the need for resolution. Blankenship's trial is now scheduled for February 11, 2025, although a plea agreement could still be reached. The case has been complicated by multiple continuances and procedural changes since the initial guilty plea in February 2024.