Murder and reckless endangerment charges have been reinstated in the case against a retired New York State trooper who allegedly caused an 11-year-old girl's death in a 2020 high-speed car chase on the Thruway in Ulster County.
Ex-Trooper Christopher Baldner again will face second-degree murder and first-degree reckless endangerment charges connected to the December 2020 death of 11-year-old Monica Goods, of Brooklyn, after a ruling Thursday morning by the New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division. The decision follows an appeal by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office.
Previously, an Ulster County judge had dropped the murder charge against Baldner, upheld a second-degree manslaughter charge and reduced the reckless endangerment charges.
Prosecutors say Baldner killed Goods by ramming his police car at the end of a chase that started when he stopped Goods' father, Tristan Goods, who was traveling in the town of Ulster with his wife and two daughters. They allege Baldner struck the Goods' SUV from behind before it hit a guardrail and flipped.
In a statement, state Attorney General Letitia James said, “While nothing can return Monica Goods to her family’s loving arms, this decision from the court will enable my office to continue our efforts to seek some semblance of justice for the Goods family. We must hold law enforcement professionals to the highest standards, and we will continue our work on this case to ensure that justice is served.”
The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers union responded to the decision in a statement released Thursday afternoon.
"We strongly disagree with the decision, which we believe improperly reinstated the ‘depraved indifference’ charge. We are deeply concerned that this ruling, if it stands, sets a dangerous precedent that could put a chill on law enforcement officers’ ability to do their job effectively and protect and serve the public. The PBA will continue to support retired Trooper Baldner and cover his legal expenses as he seeks leave to appeal this decision to the Court of Appeals.”