In a case that has drawn statewide scrutiny, a former New York State Trooper accused of causing a deadly crash during a highway chase has been acquitted of murder charges.

Christopher Baldner, a retired trooper, was found not guilty on seven of eight criminal charges after a high-speed pursuit in 2020 led to the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods, as the New York Post reports.

The incident occurred on Dec. 22, 2020, when Trooper Christopher Baldner pulled over a Dodge Journey SUV for speeding on the New York State Thruway near Kingston. The SUV was being driven by Tristin Goods, who was traveling with his wife and two daughters from New York City for the holiday season. What began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a fatal encounter.

According to court testimony, a verbal altercation ensued between Baldner and Goods. During the confrontation, Baldner reportedly deployed pepper spray into the vehicle’s interior. Goods later testified that he fled the scene afterward because he feared for his life and his family’s safety.

The attempt to flee triggered a high-speed chase, during which prosecutors said Baldner rammed the rear of the SUV twice with his patrol vehicle. As a result of the second strike, the SUV lost control and flipped, leading to the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods, one of the passengers.

Questions Raised About Use Of Force

The prosecution described Baldner’s actions as a severe and unjustified overreach. Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi told the jury that his decisions during the chase amounted to a "fatal abuse of power." The trial sought to determine whether Baldner’s behavior constituted criminal misconduct or a tragic accident resulting from an effort to apprehend a fleeing suspect.

The defense countered that the crash occurred not due to Baldner's actions, but because Goods’ SUV veered into the patrol car. Defense attorney Anthony Ricco suggested that the SUV might have decelerated rapidly before the collision, which contributed to the crash. The team maintained that Baldner was reacting to what they viewed as a sudden and dangerous escalation by a "belligerent and uncooperative" driver.

Further complicating the case was Goods’ testimony that he subscribed at the time to sovereign citizen beliefs, asserting he did not recognize laws not explicitly outlined in the Constitution. This belief allegedly contributed to his refusal to provide a driver’s license or registration during the initial stop, heightening tensions before the pursuit began.

Previous Conduct Examined During Trial

As part of the trial, prosecutors also presented evidence from an earlier 2019 incident in which Baldner reportedly rammed a Dodge Caravan carrying three occupants into a guardrail. He was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment related to that case. However, the jury acquitted him of all charges stemming from that event as well.

Baldner, now 52, retired from the New York State Police in 2022 following nearly two decades of service. He remained free during the trial on $100,000 bail. According to court documents, Baldner radioed dispatch during the 2020 chase, alleging that Goods’ vehicle had hit his patrol car.

Messages seeking comment from Baldner’s legal team following the verdict were not immediately returned. The New York Attorney General’s office, which led the prosecution, also did not state the jury’s decision.

Jury Demands Final Decision On Manslaughter

Though the jury cleared Baldner of murder and six other charges, they returned to court on Friday, Nov. 21, to continue deliberating on a remaining manslaughter charge. That count stands as the final legal hurdle in a case that has captivated public attention for nearly five years.

Monica Goods’ death cast a long shadow over the proceedings, with many courtroom observers questioning whether law enforcement should engage in high-speed pursuits involving family vehicles. The child’s death added emotional weight to a case already filled with legal complexities and public debate.

While some have expressed relief for Baldner and applauded the jury’s restraint, others remain concerned that justice for Monica may never feel complete. The tragedy continues to resonate across New York, where residents await the decision on the final charge.

Lessons to Learn

Cases like this one offer important lessons for drivers, law enforcement, and community members alike. Here are three key takeaways:

1. Encounters with law enforcement can escalate quickly. It's essential for drivers to stay calm, follow lawful instructions, and avoid decisions that might be perceived as threats. While fear can be real and justified, fleeing law enforcement can introduce significant danger to all involved.

2. Law enforcement must weigh risks carefully during pursuits. Officers have a duty to protect life while upholding the law. Ramming a vehicle, especially one holding passengers, should be a last-resort tactic used with great caution and oversight.

3. Understand your legal rights -- but stay safe. While it is important to know one's rights in any police encounter, asserting beliefs without cooperation—especially those contrary to established law -- can worsen an already tense situation. Still, it's vital to emphasize that no precaution guarantees safety and that victims are never to blame for violence or tragedy imposed on them.

Why This Story Matters

This story marks a profound intersection between law enforcement authority and public safety. It highlights the life-altering consequences that can arise from routine traffic stops gone wrong.

For communities across New York and beyond, it raises crucial questions about how police pursuits are handled and how justice is administered when tragedy strikes.