Ex-trooper convicted of manslaughter after child dies in chase
USA TODAY
Monica Goods, an 11-year-old girl, was killed after her family's car was rammed while being pursued by the state trooper.
KINGSTON, N.Y. – An ex-state trooper in New York was found guilty of manslaughter in the 2020 death of 11-year-old Monica Goods during a chase.
Former state trooper Christopher Baldner was convicted by a jury of second-degree manslaughter, a felony, on March 13, New York State Attorney General Leticia James announced. The conviction was the result of Baldner's second trial, after a jury deadlocked on the manslaughter charge in November 2025. He was acquitted at the first trial of murder and reckless endangerment.
Baldner, who faces up to 15 years in state prison, is due to be sentenced June 2, James said. His attorney could not be immediately reached for comment by the Middletown Times Herald-Record, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The conviction capped a yearslong process that included investigations by New York authorities and a pursuit for justice by Monica's family, who accused Baldner of acting recklessly during a routine traffic stop and subsequent deadly chase. Also complicating the investigation: There was no police-recorded video of the incident.
"While nothing can bring Monica back, this verdict is some semblance of justice for her loved ones," James said in a statement announcing the verdict.
Monica Goods, an 11-year-old girl, was killed after her family's car was rammed while being pursued by the state trooper.
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