Ex-NY Trooper Acquitted of Murder, Faces New Manslaughter Trial in 11-Year-Old’s Death
A former New York state trooper, Christopher Baldner, is facing a new manslaughter trial after a jury acquitted him of most charges connected to a tragic police pursuit that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. The case, which has drawn widespread public attention, continues to fuel debates about police accountability, pursuit protocols, and the limits of force during traffic stops.
The Deadly Night on the Thruway
The incident dates back to December 2020, when Baldner stopped an SUV for speeding. What began as a routine traffic stop escalated quickly after an argument between the driver and the trooper. During the confrontation, Baldner used pepper spray inside the vehicle, causing the driver to panic and accelerate away from the scene.
Baldner then pursued the SUV at high speed. During that chase, he struck the fleeing vehicle twice with his patrol car. After the second impact, the SUV spun out of control, overturned, and ejected 11-year-old Monica Goods, who died from her injuries. Her death sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of high-speed chase policies across the state.
Jury Acquits on Murder — But One Charge Remains
In the latest courtroom development, the jury cleared Baldner of murder and several related charges. However, jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision on one count — manslaughter. That single unresolved charge was enough for the court to declare a partial mistrial, leaving the door open for prosecutors to retry Baldner.
The judge has since approved a new trial focused solely on the manslaughter allegation, meaning the former trooper will once again face the courtroom over his role in the fatal crash.
Arguments From Both Sides
Prosecutors argued that Baldner’s actions went far beyond acceptable police conduct, describing his decision to ram the SUV twice as an unjustifiable use of deadly force. According to their case, the trooper’s choices directly led to a child’s death — one that could have been prevented had he followed safer procedures.
Baldner’s defense painted a different picture, claiming the driver’s sudden flight created a dangerous and unpredictable situation. They argued that Baldner acted out of concern for public safety and did not intend to cause harm. The defense team also emphasized that the crash happened while the driver was attempting to control the speeding SUV, not solely because of Baldner’s actions.
What Comes Next
With the retrial approaching, the case continues to raise important questions about police training, pursuit decisions, and accountability in high-stress situations. The family of Monica Goods maintains their call for justice, while supporters of Baldner insist he was acting within the pressures of duty.
The upcoming manslaughter trial is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the former trooper’s actions were criminally reckless or an unfortunate outcome of a chaotic encounter.
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