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Jury deliberations in the trial of former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner are set to resume today (November 21) in Kingston. The jury has already acquitted Baldner of second-degree murder and six counts of reckless endangerment related to a 2020 high-speed chase that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. However, the jury remains deadlocked on a manslaughter charge.
The trial, which lasted nearly a month, focused on Baldner's actions during the pursuit. Prosecutors alleged that Baldner used excessive force when he rammed his police cruiser into the SUV carrying Monica Goods and her family, causing it to flip over and eject the child. According to Times Union, the jury deliberated for nearly 17 hours over three days before reaching a partial verdict. They could not agree on the manslaughter charge, prompting Ulster County Court Judge Bryan Rounds to instruct them to continue deliberations.
The case has drawn significant attention as it marks the first time a New York state trooper has stood trial for murder in connection with a pursuit. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with protesters gathering outside the courthouse and chanting for justice for Monica Goods. Hudson Valley One reports that the trial was prosecuted under New York's Office of Special Investigation, established to handle cases involving civilian deaths during police encounters.
If the jury remains deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, Judge Rounds may schedule a retrial. The community continues to watch closely as the jury resumes deliberations today.