Ex–New York State trooper convicted of manslaughter in chase killing

Christopher Baldner was convicted of manslaughter on Friday at his second trial over a December 2020 high-speed chase that prosecutors said ended when he used his patrol car to ram an SUV, killing 11-year-old Monica Goods.

The case centers on the events that followed a traffic stop north of New York City near Kingston, when Baldner pulled over Tristin Goods for speeding, according to the prosecution. Goods and his family were traveling north from New York City to visit relatives when the pursuit began, the trial evidence showed.

In Friday’s verdict, prosecutors said Baldner rammed the SUV twice on the New York State Thruway, actions that they said caused the vehicle to lose control and flip over. Monica Goods was killed in the crash that occurred in December 2020, with authorities describing her as a passenger in the SUV.

The manslaughter conviction comes after a prior round of deliberations in which jurors acquitted Baldner last November of murder and reckless endangerment. In that earlier trial, jurors deadlocked on a second-degree manslaughter count, prompting Judge Bryan Rounds to declare a mistrial.

A second trial on the remaining manslaughter charge began last month. During the latest proceedings, Assistant State Attorney General Jennifer Gashi told jurors that Baldner chose to “recklessly use his patrol car as a weapon” during the chase, according to the Associated Press report.

Baldner’s attorneys argued that the SUV’s driver, Tristin Goods, acted recklessly instead and that his driving caused Monica Goods’ death, the report said. Defense attorney Anthony Ricco made the defense case that collision forces during the pursuit came from Goods’ vehicle, and the defense also relied on testimony from an accident reconstruction expert, according to the account.

Baldner remained free on bail while facing the second trial, and he is scheduled to be sentenced June 2. The reported sentencing range carries a maximum of five to 15 years in prison.

State Attorney General Letitia James said in a prepared statement, “While nothing can bring Monica back, this verdict is some semblance of justice for her loved ones,” following the verdict.

Charles W. Murphy, president of the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers, said the union was disappointed and argued Baldner was “simply following his training when he responded to a rapidly evolving and highly dangerous situation,” according to a written statement. Baldner retired in 2022 after nearly 20 years with the state police.