A former New York state trooper faces up to 15 years in prison after a jury convicted him of manslaughter in the death of an 11-year-old girl killed during a 2020 high-speed chase on the New York State Thruway.

Second Trial Brings Conviction

Christopher Baldner, 47, was found guilty Friday of second-degree manslaughter after prosecutors proved he recklessly rammed his patrol vehicle into an SUV carrying Monica Goods and her family. The December 2020 crash killed the young girl when the SUV lost control and flipped over. This verdict came at Baldner’s second trial after a jury in November acquitted him of murder and reckless endangerment but deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, forcing Judge Bryan Rounds to declare a mistrial.

Assistant State Attorney General Jennifer Gashi argued Baldner chose to use his patrol car as a weapon during the pursuit north of New York City. The retired trooper, who served nearly 20 years with state police before retiring in 2022, remained free on bail pending his June 2 sentencing. State Attorney General Letitia James said the verdict provided some measure of justice for Monica’s family, though nothing could bring her back.

The Fatal Encounter

The deadly sequence began when Baldner pulled over Tristin Goods for speeding near Kingston on December 22, 2020. Goods, his wife, and their two daughters were traveling north from New York City to visit family. After an argument between Baldner and Goods, the trooper pepper-sprayed the vehicle’s interior. Goods then drove off, initiating the high-speed chase that would claim his daughter’s life.

Defense attorney Anthony Ricco maintained that Goods, not Baldner, acted recklessly and caused the crash. The defense presented testimony from an accident reconstruction expert who claimed Goods lost control when he overcorrected after a minor impact. Defense attorneys said Goods collided with Baldner’s vehicle twice during the pursuit.

Law Enforcement Backlash

The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers expressed deep disappointment with the verdict. Union president Charles W. Murphy defended Baldner, claiming he simply followed his training when responding to a dangerous situation requiring split-second decisions. Murphy warned the outcome sends a troubling message to officers who must protect the public. The conviction raises questions about use-of-force protocols during vehicle pursuits involving families with children. Baldner faces a maximum sentence of five to 15 years when he appears for sentencing in June.