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Deliberations are set to begin today in the manslaughter trial of former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner in Kingston. Baldner is accused of causing the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods during a high-speed pursuit on the New York State Thruway in December 2020. The prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments yesterday, and the judge denied a request to allow the jury to consider a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.
Baldner, a 19-year veteran of the state police, faces charges of second-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors allege that he acted recklessly by ramming the vehicle driven by Monica's father, Tristin Goods, twice during the chase. The second impact reportedly caused the vehicle to flip over the median guardrail, resulting in Monica's death. According to Daily Freeman, the prosecution sought to include a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide, arguing that Baldner failed to perceive the risk his actions posed to others. However, the defense objected, claiming that the evidence presented supported an intentional act, not negligence.
The trial has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues of police accountability and the use of force. Baldner's defense team argues that the responsibility lies with Tristin Goods, who they claim fled a traffic stop at over 100 mph and collided with Baldner's vehicle. An accident reconstruction expert testified that the crash resulted from Tristin Goods losing control of the vehicle after a minor impact.
The case, which has already seen a mistrial, could have broader implications for police policies and public trust in the criminal justice system. If convicted of second-degree manslaughter, Baldner faces a sentence ranging from one-and-a-half to 15 years in state prison. The trial's outcome is expected to influence ongoing debates about law enforcement practices and accountability.