In a case capturing significant public interest, a former New York state trooper has been acquitted of murder charges linked to a high-speed chase that led to the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl. The jury’s decision regarding Christopher Baldner, 52, came late Thursday, clearing him of seven of the eight charges, with deliberations on a manslaughter charge continuing the following day.
The incident in question occurred on December 22, 2020, when Baldner stopped a Dodge Journey on the New York State Thruway for speeding. The vehicle, driven by Tristin Goods, was carrying Goods’ wife and two daughters as they traveled from New York City for a family holiday. Tensions escalated between Baldner and Goods, leading to the trooper deploying pepper spray inside the car. Subsequently, Goods sped away, prompting a chase during which Baldner allegedly rammed the SUV twice, resulting in the vehicle overturning. The crash resulted in the death of Monica Goods, aged 11.
Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi characterized Baldner’s actions as a “fatal abuse of power” during the trial. However, the defense argued that the crash was a result of Goods’ actions, claiming he overcorrected his vehicle after a minor collision with Baldner’s car according to the Daily Freeman.
Tristin Goods testified that fear prompted him to flee after being pepper-sprayed, a sentiment he reiterated during his court appearance. Goods also admitted to holding beliefs aligned with sovereign citizens, who question the legitimacy of certain laws, which influenced his refusal to present his license and registration during the traffic stop according to the Daily Gazette.
The jury was also informed of a prior incident involving Baldner in 2019, where he was accused of another ramming incident on the Thruway. He was acquitted of related reckless endangerment charges. Baldner, who retired in 2022 after nearly two decades with the state police, has been free on $100,000 bail as the case unfolded.
