Ex-Fresh York Trooper Convicted of Manslaughter in 2020 Chase That Killed 11-Year-Old

KINGSTON, N.Y. (AP) — Former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner, 47, of Catskill, was convicted of manslaughter on Friday, March 13, 2026, in connection with the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods during a high-speed chase in December 2020. This conviction follows a mistrial in November 2025, where the jury acquitted Baldner of murder and reckless endangerment charges but deadlocked on the manslaughter charge WCax.

The Incident and Initial Trial

On December 22, 2020, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Trooper Baldner stopped Tristin Goods for speeding on the New York State Thruway near mile marker 92 in Ulster County. After an argument ensued, Baldner deployed pepper spray inside the Goods family vehicle, which contained Goods, his wife, and their two daughters, aged 11, and 12. Goods then drove away, and Baldner initiated a pursuit New York Attorney General.

Prosecutors argued that Baldner rammed the Goods’ SUV twice during the chase, causing it to lose control, flip over, and eject Monica Goods, resulting in her death. Defense attorneys contended that the accident occurred because Goods collided with Baldner’s vehicle and subsequently lost control after overcorrecting WCax.

The first trial resulted in a mistrial when the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the manslaughter charge. A second trial began last month WCax.

Second Trial and Verdict

During the second trial, Assistant State Attorney General Jennifer Gashi argued that Baldner “recklessly used his patrol car as a weapon.” Defense attorney Anthony Ricco maintained that Tristin Goods acted recklessly and caused his daughter’s death WCax.

On March 13, 2026, a jury found Baldner guilty of manslaughter in the second degree. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison. Judge Bryan Rounds continued bail at $100,000, and Baldner is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2026 New York Attorney General.

Statements from Officials

New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed her condolences to the Goods family and stated that the verdict provides “some semblance of justice” for Monica Goods’ loved ones New York Attorney General.

Baldner retired from the New York State Police in 2022 after nearly 20 years of service Times Union.