Photo: Jantanee Phoolmas / Moment / Getty Images
Testimony is set to begin today in Kingston in the murder trial of former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner. During opening statements on Monday (October 28), prosecutors accused Baldner of using his patrol car as a battering ram in a high-speed chase that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods in December 2020. Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi described Baldner's actions as a "fatal abuse of power," stating he deliberately rammed the Goods' family vehicle twice, causing it to flip over and kill Monica Goods, who was not wearing a seatbelt.
Baldner faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and reckless endangerment. He also faces additional charges from a 2019 incident where he allegedly rammed another vehicle on the Thruway. Defense attorney Anthony Ricco argued that Baldner was dealing with a belligerent driver, Tristin Goods, who refused to comply with Baldner's requests during the traffic stop. Ricco claimed that the prosecution was trying to "demonize" Baldner, who did not act with depravity.
The trial, presided over by Ulster County Judge Bryan Rounds, is expected to last several weeks. Baldner, who retired in 2022 after nearly 20 years with the state police, is free on $100,000 bail. If convicted, he could face 25 years to life in prison. The courtroom is expected to see large contingents of spectators, including supporters of both the Goods family and Baldner, with increased security measures in place. KTVB, Daily Freeman, and Newsday are covering the trial.