Jury Finds Trooper Who Rammed Car, Killing 11-Year-Old Monica Goods, Guilty Of Manslaughter

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — A former trooper whose on-duty actions led to the death of a child has been convicted of manslaughter.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the conviction of former New York State Police Trooper Christopher Baldner, 47, of Catskill, on the charge of second-degree manslaughter.

After a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Ulster County in December 2020, Baldner used his police vehicle to ram a car occupied by four members of the Goods family, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods.

SEE ALSO: Charges Reinstated Against Former Trooper Over Girl's Crash Death

Baldner was found guilty by a jury in Ulster County Court. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison. The judge continued bail at $100,000. Baldner will be sentenced on June 2.

"I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Monica Goods," James said, announcing the verdict. "While nothing can bring Monica back, this verdict is some semblance of justice for her loved ones."

On December 22, 2020, at 11:40 p.m., Tristin Goods was driving north on the New York State Thruway with his wife and two daughters, aged 11 and 12, on the way to his home for the holidays. Near mile marker 92 in Ulster County, Trooper Baldner was on patrol in his marked New York State Police vehicle and stopped the Goods family car for speeding.

During the stop, Baldner deployed pepper spray into the interior of the car and Goods sped away. During the pursuit, Baldner rammed his police vehicle into the rear of the Goods car twice. On the second strike, the Goods car skidded into the center guard rail, flipped over, and came to rest upside down. The impact ejected Monica Goods from the car, causing her death.

A previous trial ended in a mistrial in November 2025.

SEE ALSO:

• State Trooper Charged In Death Of 11-Year-Old: AG
• Trooper Charged In 11-Year-Old's Death Denied Bail