The New York State Attorney General announced murder charges Wednesday against a state trooper who allegedly rammed his patrol vehicle into a family’s SUV, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old girl. The incident occurred on the New York State Thruway in December 2020.
Trooper Christopher Baldner faces charges of murder, manslaughter, and reckless endangerment in the death of Monica Goods. The Goods family was traveling north on Interstate 87 in Ulster County on December 22, 2020, when Trooper Baldner initiated a traffic stop for speeding.
According to prosecutors from Attorney General Letitia James’s office, which has jurisdiction over deaths caused by police officers, an altercation ensued during the stop. Baldner allegedly sprayed pepper spray into the vehicle driven by Tristan Goods, Monica’s father. Mr. Goods then drove away, prompting a pursuit by Trooper Baldner. Prosecutors allege that Baldner rammed his police vehicle into the Goods’ SUV twice. The second impact caused the SUV to flip over multiple times, ultimately landing upside down. Monica Goods was ejected from the vehicle and tragically died at the scene.
Attorney General James issued a statement emphasizing the violation of public trust. “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,” she said. “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.”
This isn’t the first time Trooper Baldner has been accused of using his vehicle in such a manner. Authorities report similar incidents on the Thruway north of New York City in 2017 and 2019 where Baldner allegedly rammed his police vehicle into other vehicles. The 2019 incident is included in Wednesday’s indictment, alleging that Baldner “endangered the lives of three passengers” in the targeted car.
Following his arraignment in Ulster County Court, Baldner was ordered held without bail. A bail hearing is scheduled for November 4. Attempts to reach Baldner’s attorney for comment via voicemail and email were unsuccessful.
The New York State Police confirmed Baldner’s surrender Wednesday morning and announced his suspension without pay. The department stated it is fully cooperating with the Attorney General’s investigation.
The president of the state troopers’ Police Benevolent Association, Thomas Mungeer, offered condolences to the Goods family in a statement. He also emphasized the union’s commitment to providing legal representation for Baldner, asserting the trooper’s right to due process and a fair trial. Mungeer further expressed a desire for a comprehensive review and public release of all the facts surrounding the incident, including what he described as the “motorist’s reckless actions that started this chain of events.”
The case continues to unfold, with the upcoming bail hearing and ongoing investigation promising further scrutiny of the events leading to Monica Goods’ tragic death. The incident raises serious questions about police conduct and the use of force during traffic stops, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for police procedures and the pursuit of justice in cases involving police-related fatalities.
This complex case involves multiple legal and ethical considerations, including the use of force by law enforcement, the responsibility of police officers to protect and serve, and the rights of individuals during traffic stops. The prosecution will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trooper Baldner’s actions constituted murder, while the defense will likely argue that his actions were justified or that the death of Monica Goods was unintentional. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly involve a thorough examination of the events leading up to the fatal crash, including the initial traffic stop, the use of pepper spray, the subsequent pursuit, and the ultimate collision. The court will also consider any prior incidents involving Trooper Baldner and their relevance to the current charges. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by communities across the country, as it addresses critical issues regarding police accountability and the use of deadly force. The search for justice for Monica Goods continues as the legal process unfolds. The tragic loss of this young girl underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and reform within law enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
The case against Trooper Baldner highlights the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on how police conduct is scrutinized and how such incidents are handled in the future. The focus remains on seeking justice for Monica Goods and her family while ensuring a fair and transparent legal process for all involved.
The tragic death of Monica Goods serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility placed upon law enforcement officers and the devastating consequences that can arise from the misuse of power. As the legal proceedings progress, the pursuit of justice and the demand for accountability will remain at the forefront of this case. The community, along with the Goods family, awaits the outcome of the trial and hopes for a resolution that brings closure and promotes positive change within law enforcement practices.
