KINGSTON – State Trooper Christopher Baldner has been indicted by an Ulster County grand jury on charges of murder, manslaughter and reckless endangerment in connection with an incident on the Thruway in Ulster County during which he rammed a family car causing it to flip over and killing 11-year-old Monica Goods.
It is alleged that on December 22, 2020 at about 11:40 p.m., Tristan Goods was driving in the northbound lane of the Thruway with his wife and two daughters, age 11 and 12, on the way to visit family for Christmas.
Trooper Baldner was on patrol in his marked State Police car and stopped the Goods family car for speeding.
During the stop, the trooper deployed pepper spray into the inside of the car and Goods sped away.
During the pursuit, Baldner twice rammed his police car into the rear of the Goods car. When he struck their car the second time, the Goods car overturned several times and came to rest upside down. The impact ejected Monica Goods from the car and she died.
“Police officers are entrusted to protect and serve, but Trooper Baldner allegedly violated that trust when he used his car as a deadly weapon and killed a young girl,” said State Attorney General Letitia James, who is handling the case. “While nothing will bring Monica back, we must hold law enforcement to the highest standards, which is why my office is committed to seeking justice in this case.”
If convicted of the murder charge, Baldner could face 25 years to life in prison.
Baldner is in the Ulster County Jail and will make a bail application with a hearing set for Thursday, November 4.
“While nothing will bring her back, the grand jury’s decision to charge State Trooper Cristopher Baldner for his involvement in the death of Monica Goods, and for two other incidents, is a critical first step in finally bringing justice to her and her family,” said Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan.
