ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment of Christopher Baldner, a member of the New York State Police, on murder charges. The indictment alleges that Baldner, while on patrol on the New York State Thruway, used his police vehicle to ram a car, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old.
Trooper in fatal Thruway chase involved in 2 other crashes
On December 22, 2020, around midnight, Tristan Goods was driving in the northbound lane of the Thruway with his wife and two daughters, aged 11 and 12. Trooper Baldner was on patrol and stopped the Goods family car for speeding in Ulster County. During the stop, Baldner allegedly deployed pepper spray into the car and Goods sped away.
During the pursuit, Baldner reportedly rammed his police vehicle twice into the rear of Goods’ car. On the second strike, the car flipped over several times and landed upside down. The AG said the impact ejected Monica Goods from the car and died.
“Police officers are entrusted to protect and serve, but Trooper Baldner allegedly violated that trust when he used his car as a deadly weapon and killed a young girl,” said James.
Father faults NY trooper in crash that killed daughter, 11
The indictment also alleges, in a separate incident, that Baldner endangered the lives of three passengers by also using his police vehicle to ram their car. This incident was in September 2019.
Charges:
Murder in the Second Degree (felony)Manslaughter in the Second Degree (felony)Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
Baldner was arraigned on October 27 in Ulster County Court and was remanded. James said Baldner will make a bail application and the hearing is set for November 4. Murder in the second degree carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.