KINGSTON, N.Y. — A former state trooper, cleared of murder charges but facing unresolved manslaughter allegations, is scheduled for a retrial following a jury’s divided verdict. Christopher Baldner, 52, was acquitted of seven out of eight charges in connection with the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl during a high-speed pursuit that began with a traffic stop.
The jury’s decision came after four days of deliberation, with the panel reaching a unanimous not-guilty verdict on numerous counts, including aggravated vehicular homicide. However, they were unable to decide on the manslaughter charge, prompting Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds to declare a mistrial on that count. Baldner’s prior acquittals remain intact as the legal proceedings move forward.
The incident under scrutiny occurred on December 22, 2020, when Baldner initiated a traffic stop on Tristin Goods, whose family was en route from New York City for the holidays. The situation escalated dramatically after Baldner pepper sprayed the inside of Goods’ vehicle during an argument, leading Goods to flee and resulting in a pursuit. Prosecutors contended that Baldner intentionally rammed the SUV twice, leading to a catastrophic crash that claimed the life of Monica Goods.
Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi characterized Baldner’s actions as a “fatal abuse of power,” emphasizing the dangers inherent in such reckless behavior while engaging in law enforcement. Conversely, Baldner’s defense argued that the driver’s own maneuvers were responsible for the fatal accident, claiming that Tristin Goods overcorrected after making contact with Baldner’s car, causing the SUV to roll.
As part of his testimony, Tristin Goods described his fear and confusion during the incident, stating that the use of pepper spray led him to believe his life was in danger. He also acknowledged holding beliefs aligned with the so-called sovereign citizen movement, which informed his reluctance to comply with Baldner’s commands during the stop.
In addition, Baldner faced scrutiny from a previous case where he was acquitted of reckless endangerment charges linked to another incident on the Thruway in 2019, where he allegedly rammed another vehicle, which then crashed. His defense claimed that the circumstances surrounding both cases involved complicated interactions with drivers resisting authority.
Having retired from the state police in 2022, Baldner has remained free on a $100,000 bail and will continue to await a new trial date set by Judge Rounds for the remaining manslaughter allegations. The attorney general’s office reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice in the case as they prepare for the retrial.
The case highlights ongoing debates regarding police conduct and accountability, raising questions about the appropriate use of force during traffic stops and the implications for law enforcement practices in New York and beyond.