NYS trooper charged with murder charges after fatal Thruway crash
ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) – New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the indictment of Christopher Baldner, a member of the New York State Police, for murder. The indictment alleges that Baldner, while on patrol on the New York State Thruway, used his police vehicle to hit a car, resulting in an 11-year-old death.
On December 22, 2020, around midnight, Tristan Goods was driving in the northbound lane of the Thruway with his wife and two daughters aged 11 and 12. Trooper Baldner was on patrol, stopping the Goods family car for driving too fast in Ulster County. During the stop, Baldner allegedly put pepper spray into the car and Goods hurried away.
During the pursuit, Baldner allegedly hit his police vehicle twice in the back of Goods’ car. At the second blow, the car overturned several times and landed on its head. AG said the impact threw Monica Goods out of the car and died.
“Police officers are entrusted with protecting and serving, but Trooper Baldner has reportedly violated that trust when he used his car as a lethal weapon and killed a young girl,” James said.
The indictment also alleges, in a separate incident, that Baldner endangered the lives of three passengers by also using his police vehicle to hit their car. This incident took place in September 2019.
Fees:
- Second degree murder (crime)
- Second degree manslaughter (crime)
- Reckless threat in the first degree
Baldner was arraigned on Oct. 27 in Ulster County Court and remanded in custody. James said Baldner will file a bail application and that the hearing is set for Nov. 4. Murder in the second degree carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment.
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