Former New York State Police Trooper Christopher Baldner was convicted on March 13 of Manslaughter in the Second Degree for the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods, according to an announcement by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The conviction follows a December 2020 incident in Ulster County where Baldner used his police vehicle to ram a car occupied by the Goods family during a traffic stop, resulting in Monica’s death.
The case highlights issues surrounding police conduct and accountability. According to James, “I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Monica Goods. While nothing can bring Monica back, this verdict is some semblance of justice for her loved ones.”
Baldner was found guilty by a jury in Ulster County Court and faces a maximum sentence of five to fifteen years in prison. Judge Bryan Rounds continued bail at $100,000 pending sentencing scheduled for June 2, 2026. The incident occurred when Tristin Goods was driving with his wife and two daughters northbound on the New York State Thruway for the Christmas holiday. After being stopped for speeding near mile marker 92, Baldner deployed pepper spray into their car before pursuing them as they sped away. He then rammed their vehicle twice; after the second impact, their car flipped over and Monica was ejected from the vehicle.
A previous trial ended in a mistrial in November 2025. The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) within the Attorney General’s office conducted an assessment under New York Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires investigation whenever a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death by act or omission.
The prosecution involved multiple members from OSI and other divisions within the Attorney General’s office. The New York Attorney General operates as a public law enforcement and legal advocacy agency for New York according to its official website. It promotes social justice and community well-being through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website, protects residents’ rights, ensures public safety, upholds consumer protections, preserves the environment according to its official website, provides services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, and operates regional offices across the state according to its official website. Letitia James heads the office according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Baldner will return to court for sentencing later this year.
