Murder Charge Reinstated Against State Trooper For 11-Year-Old Girl’s Death During Chase

New York: An appeals court has reinstated a murder charge against former New York state trooper Christopher Baldner for his role in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods during a high-speed chase in December 2020.  Monica Goods lost her life when Baldner allegedly rammed the family’s SUV twice, causing it to flip over multiple times. The ruling reverses a previous decision by a trial judge, who dismissed the murder charge last year, citing insufficient evidence of Baldner’s “depraved indifference to human life,” a key requirement for the second-degree murder charge.

Tragic Collision Leads to Reinstatement of Murder Charge

The incident occurred while Monica Goods’ family was driving to visit relatives for the holidays. Baldner pulled over the SUV for speeding on the New York State Thruway in Ulster County. According to witness testimony, including that of Monica’s father, an argument broke out between Baldner and the driver, after which Baldner pepper-sprayed the inside of the vehicle. In an attempt to escape, the father sped off, prompting a high-speed chase.

During the chase, Baldner reportedly rammed the family’s SUV twice, causing it to overturn and resulting in the death of Monica Goods. The appeals court found sufficient evidence for the murder charge to proceed, stating that Baldner’s actions during the chase exhibited a reckless disregard for human life.

Baldner, who retired in 2022, faces additional manslaughter and other charges. The trial judge had earlier ruled that although Baldner exhibited poor judgment, the evidence did not meet the standard for depraved indifference required for the murder charge. The latest ruling challenges this assessment, allowing the murder charge to be revisited in court.

Attorney General’s Pursuit of Justice

New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office has been leading the case, expressed her satisfaction with the decision. “As a former state trooper, Christopher Baldner was responsible for serving and protecting the people of New York, but the indictment alleges that he violated that sacred oath and used his vehicle as a deadly weapon, resulting in the senseless death of a young girl,” James said. She emphasized that the reinstatement of the charge would allow her office to continue seeking justice for the Goods family.

Appeals Court Overturns Previous Ruling

While the appeals court’s decision brings renewed hope for the Goods family, Baldner’s union has expressed concern over the ruling. The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association criticized the decision, warning that it could have broader implications for law enforcement officers’ ability to perform their duties. The union, which is financing Baldner’s legal defense, stated that they intend to appeal the ruling to the state’s highest court.

Justice John Egan Jr., the dissenting judge, wrote that while Baldner’s actions may have been reckless, he intended to stop the chase and protect the public. Baldner has maintained that it was Goods’ father who repeatedly rammed his patrol car, not the other way around. Baldner is currently free on $100,000 bail, with no trial date yet set. The case, which has drawn attention to police conduct during high-speed chases, will now move toward trial, potentially bringing closure to the Goods family.