New York state Trooper charged with murder in Thruway pursuit, crash that killed 11-year-old

Ulster, N.Y. — A New York State trooper was charged with murder Wednesday for ramming a car during a police pursuit on the Thruway, killing an 11-year-old girl, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.

Christopher Baldner, 43, is facing one count of murder, another count of manslaughter, and four counts of reckless endangerment, according to a news release from the AG’s office.

It is highly unusual for a police officer to be charged with murder in such a case.

Baldner is not accused of intending to kill the girl but instead acting with extreme disregard for her life. These charges are only allowed when the defendant exhibits “wanton cruelty, brutality, or callousness against a vulnerable victim,” according to a prior court decision.

This type of “depraved indifference murder” charge is extremely rare and difficult to prove.

The trooper stopped a family of four traveling on the Thruway for speeding just before midnight on Dec. 22, 2020. During the stop, the officer shot pepper spray into the car and the driver, Tristan Goods, sped away.

Baldner pursued the car, ramming it twice, the AG’s office said. The second time, the vehicle rolled several times, landing on its roof. The 11-year-old, Monica Goods, was thrown from the car and died.

This was not the first time Baldner had rammed a car, the AG’s office said.

Three of the reckless endangerment counts filed against him are from Sept. 6, 2019 when he’s accused of ramming into the back of a speeding minivan. The minivan driver lost control and slammed into a guardrail, the AG office said.

Baldner is facing a maximum sentence of 25 years to life for the murder charge, according to the AG’s office.

The AG’s office announced the indictment Wednesday. Baldner was arraigned in Ulster County Court. A bail hearing will be held Thursday.

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