As tensions mount over an impending court hearing, a San Antonio woman faced with intoxication manslaughter charges is expected in court this Thursday. Giovanna Blangiardo stands accused of causing the tragic death of Whitney Brooke Weddel, a cherished former East Central ISD teacher, in a February drunk driving accident. KENS 5 reports that Blangiardo, after being released on bond and placed on house arrest, seeks to modify her bail conditions to permit leaving her home.
The fatal incident occurred early in the morning when, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Blangiardo's Chevrolet SUV strayed into oncoming traffic on Potranco Road, colliding with Weddel's vehicle. The crash also involved a non-injured driver of a Nissan SUV, who attempted to avoid the Toyota driven by Weddel but ultimately got caught in the wreckage. Both Blangiardo and Weddel had to be extricated from their cars and were transported to the hospital, where Weddel was later pronounced dead, as detailed in a report by the KSAT.
The request for leniency from Blangiardo has ignited a strong response from Weddel's friends and family, who have rallied against any easing of bond restrictions. "The nerve of asking for leniency, because my friend doesn't get to ask for leniency to have her life back," Jenny Garcia, a friend of Weddel, expressed in an interview with KENS 5. Garcia has created a petition on Change.org against modifying the bond conditions, in a move to amplify the voice for Whitney.
The hearing for Blangiardo is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. in the 144th District Court. “Whitney’s impact was far-reaching and will continue for generations to come as she has dozens of former students working as healthcare professionals across our city and beyond. ECISD is grateful for her impeccable service and is deeply saddened by her passing.” East Central ISD relayed to KSAT.
