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Opening statements could be heard today in the trial of former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner, accused of killing 11-year-old Monica Goods during a high-speed chase on the New York State Thruway in 2020. Jury selection concluded yesterday, resulting in a panel of nine men and three women in Ulster County Court, Kingston.
Baldner, 52, faces charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter, and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors allege that Baldner acted with "depraved indifference to human life" when he rammed the vehicle driven by Tristin Goods, Monica's father, causing it to crash and roll over. Monica, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car and died at the scene, as reported by the Daily Freeman.
The incident occurred on December 20, 2020, near mile marker 92 on the Thruway, just past the Kingston exit. Baldner's defense argues that Tristin Goods was speeding and refused to comply with Baldner's instructions, leading to the chase. The defense also claims that Baldner applied the brakes hard before the second collision, indicating he did not act with depraved indifference, according to the Daily Freeman.
The trial, expected to last three weeks, will also address a separate 2019 incident where Baldner allegedly used his vehicle to ram another motorist's car. If convicted of second-degree murder, Baldner faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. NY1 reports that security has been increased at the courthouse due to the high-profile nature of the case.