Ex-NY Trooper Convicted of Manslaughter in Car Chase That Killed 11-Year-Old

Christopher Baldner faces up to 15 years in prison for ramming SUV during high-speed pursuit that led to girl's death.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Former New York state trooper Christopher Baldner was convicted of manslaughter on Friday for ramming his vehicle into an SUV during a high-speed chase in 2020, leading to the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. Baldner was accused of recklessly using his patrol car as a weapon, while his defense argued the driver of the SUV, Monica's father Tristin Goods, acted recklessly and caused her death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the need for better training and policies around when officers can use their vehicles as a 'weapon' against fleeing suspects. It also raises questions about accountability for law enforcement actions that result in civilian casualties.

The details

Prosecutors said Baldner rammed the SUV twice on the New York State Thruway, causing it to lose control and flip over. Eleven-year-old Monica Goods was killed in the December 2020 crash. Baldner's attorneys argued the accident occurred after the SUV cut the trooper off as he pulled alongside during the pursuit. An accident reconstruction expert for the defense testified that Goods lost control of the SUV when he overcorrected after 'a very minor impact'.

  • On December 22, 2020, Baldner pulled over Tristin Goods for speeding on the highway near Kingston.
  • Baldner and Goods argued, and the trooper pepper-sprayed the inside the vehicle. Goods drove off and Baldner pursued.
  • The crash that killed 11-year-old Monica Goods occurred during this high-speed chase on the New York State Thruway.
  • Baldner was convicted of manslaughter on March 13, 2026.
  • Baldner is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2026.

The players

Christopher Baldner

A former New York state trooper who was convicted of manslaughter for ramming his vehicle into an SUV during a high-speed chase, leading to the death of an 11-year-old girl.

Monica Goods

An 11-year-old girl who was killed when Baldner rammed the SUV she was riding in, causing it to lose control and flip over.

Tristin Goods

The driver of the SUV that Baldner rammed, leading to the death of his 11-year-old daughter Monica. Goods was accused by the defense of acting recklessly and causing the crash.

Letitia James

The New York State Attorney General who said the verdict provides 'some semblance of justice' for Monica Goods' loved ones.

Charles W. Murphy

The president of the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers, who said the union was 'deeply disappointed' by the verdict and that Baldner was 'simply following his training'.

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What they’re saying

“While nothing can bring Monica back, this verdict is some semblance of justice for her loved ones.”

— Letitia James, New York State Attorney General

“This outcome sends a troubling message to all law enforcement officers who must make split-second decisions to protect the public.”

— Charles W. Murphy, President, Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on June 2, 2026 whether to sentence Baldner to up to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter conviction.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better training, policies, and accountability around high-speed police chases, where the actions of officers can have devastating consequences for innocent civilians. It underscores the difficult split-second decisions law enforcement face, but also the importance of prioritizing public safety over aggressive pursuit tactics.