Ex-NY Trooper Sentenced for High-Speed Chase Resulting in Death of 11-Year-Old Girl
A former New York state trooper, Christopher Baldner, has been sentenced to 2½ to 7½ years in prison following a high-speed chase that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. The incident occurred in December 2020 when Baldner rammed his vehicle into an SUV on the New York State Thruway, causing it to flip over. Baldner was convicted of manslaughter in March 2026, although he was acquitted of murder and reckless endangerment. The chase began after Baldner pulled over Monica's father, Tristin Goods, for speeding. An argument ensued, leading Baldner to pepper-spray the vehicle, prompting Goods to drive off. Baldner pursued and rammed the SUV twice, leading to the fatal crash. Baldner retired in 2022 after nearly 20 years with the state police.