A former New York state trooper was acquitted of murder charges for ramming a family’s vehicle during a high-speed highway chase, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. The acquittal has sparked outrage and exposed deep flaws in the justice system’s ability to hold law enforcement officers accountable, even in cases involving tragic civilian deaths. Now, the grieving family is turning to civil litigation as their final hope for justice.
Story Highlights
- Ex-trooper Christopher Baldner acquitted of murder in December 2020 death of Monica Goods, 11.
- Baldner rammed the Goods family vehicle twice during pursuit, causing fatal rollover crash.
- Jury found trooper’s actions didn’t meet legal standard for murder despite child’s death.
- Family seeks justice through civil litigation after criminal case fails.
Trooper Escapes Murder Conviction Despite Fatal Ramming
Christopher Baldner, a former New York State Trooper, was acquitted of murder charges in November 2023 for his role in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. The December 22, 2020 incident began as a routine traffic stop on the New York State Thruway near Ulster County. Baldner stopped the Goods family vehicle for speeding during their holiday travels. After allegedly using pepper spray during the encounter, Baldner pursued the family when their vehicle sped away from the scene.
Ex-New York state trooper acquitted of murder in highway chase that killed 11-year-old girl https://t.co/xrsg3SISdF pic.twitter.com/xTxvxWC8tq
— New York Post (@nypost) November 21, 2025
Deadly Pursuit Tactics Questioned
During the high-speed chase, Baldner employed vehicle ramming tactics, striking the Goods family car twice. These aggressive maneuvers caused the vehicle to overturn, resulting in Monica’s death and injuries to other family members. The prosecution argued that Baldner showed reckless disregard for human life by using such extreme force during a pursuit that began with a simple traffic violation. Defense attorneys countered that Baldner followed established protocols and lacked criminal intent, successfully convincing the jury that his actions didn’t constitute murder under New York law.
Justice System Fails Grieving Family
The acquittal represents another example of law enforcement officers avoiding criminal liability even when their actions result in civilian deaths. Legal specialists note the difficulty of securing convictions against police officers due to qualified immunity protections and high legal standards for proving intent. The Goods family expressed devastation at the verdict, with their attorney calling for federal investigation into the incident. This case joins a troubling pattern where officers face minimal consequences for aggressive tactics that endanger innocent lives, particularly during pursuits that escalate minor violations.
While Baldner was acquitted of murder, he still faces potential retrial on manslaughter charges, though legal observers expect similar challenges in securing conviction. The Ulster County District Attorney expressed disappointment but pledged to continue pursuing justice for the Goods family. New York State Police have initiated a review of pursuit policies following the incident, though critics argue such reviews rarely produce meaningful reform. The case highlights the need for stricter accountability measures and clearer use-of-force standards to prevent similar tragedies.
Civil Litigation Offers Last Hope
The Goods family has filed civil litigation against Baldner and the New York State Police, seeking monetary damages and policy changes. Civil cases require a lower burden of proof than criminal prosecutions, offering families better chances of holding officers accountable for misconduct. The lawsuit will likely focus on whether Baldner’s pursuit tactics violated department policy and constitutional protections against excessive force. This civil action represents the family’s final avenue for achieving some measure of justice after the criminal system failed to deliver accountability for their daughter’s preventable death.
Watch the report: WATCH LIVE: Testimony continues in retrial of former trooper accused of killing 2 teens in crash
Sources:
Ex-NY trooper acquitted of murder in chase that killed 11-year-old, faces retrial for manslaughter – The Washington Post
Mistrial declared as jury fails to reach consensus on charge in state trooper case
Christopher Baldner case: Mistrial declared on manslaughter charge – Daily Freeman
Former Trooper Christopher Baldner found not guilty of murder, reckless endangerment
