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In Kingston, testimony in the trial of former State Trooper Christopher Baldner revealed that he allegedly used his patrol car to intentionally ram a family's SUV during a high-speed chase in 2020. The crash resulted in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. An expert witness testified that Baldner's vehicle twice struck the SUV driven by Tristin Goods within nine seconds at speeds nearing 130 miles per hour. Prosecutors argue that Baldner's actions demonstrate depraved indifference, while the defense claims that Goods caused the collision by suddenly slowing down.
The incident occurred on December 22, 2020, when Baldner pulled over Tristin Goods for speeding on the New York State Thruway. An argument ensued, leading Baldner to pepper-spray the inside of the SUV. Goods then drove off, prompting Baldner to pursue and ultimately ram the vehicle, causing it to flip over. According to ABC News, Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi described Baldner's actions as a "fatal abuse of power."
Defense attorney Anthony Ricco argued that Baldner was dealing with an uncooperative driver and suggested that the SUV decelerated before the impact. Ricco also stated that Baldner had radioed dispatch, claiming that the SUV had rammed his vehicle. However, state police investigators testified that Baldner's push bumper left an impression on the SUV's rear bumper, supporting the prosecution's case.
The trial also revisited a 2019 incident where Baldner allegedly rammed another vehicle during a high-speed chase. Retired state police Zone Sgt. Bryan Cloutier testified that the damage to the vehicles was consistent with Baldner's account of the incident. However, the driver involved in that case, Jonathan Muthu, denied striking Baldner's vehicle and claimed Baldner caused the crash.
Baldner, who retired in 2022 after nearly 20 years with the state police, faces charges of murder, second-degree manslaughter, and reckless endangerment. The trial is expected to continue with further testimony on Wednesday (November 12).