New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement following the Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department of the New York State Supreme Court's ruling to reinstate charges against former New York State Trooper Christopher Baldner. The court ruled that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) presented sufficient evidence to the grand jury that Baldner acted with depraved indifference.
Baldner, while on patrol along the New York State Thruway in Ulster County in December 2020, allegedly used his police vehicle to ram a car occupied by four members of the Goods family, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. The Reckless Endangerment charges also include a separate incident in September 2019 where Baldner allegedly used his police vehicle to ram another passenger car, endangering three passengers.
“As a former State Trooper, Christopher Baldner was responsible for serving and protecting the people of New York," said James. "But the indictment alleges that he violated that sacred oath and used his vehicle as a deadly weapon, resulting in the senseless death of a young girl."
James added, “While nothing can return Monica Goods to her family’s loving arms, this decision from the court will enable my office to continue our efforts to seek some semblance of justice for the Goods family.”
She emphasized, “We must hold law enforcement professionals to the highest standards, and we will continue our work on this case to ensure that justice is served.”
In October 2021, Attorney General James announced Baldner's indictment on charges including Murder in the Second Degree, Manslaughter in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree. In February 2023, an Ulster County Court judge dismissed the charge of Murder in the Second Degree and reduced Reckless Endangerment charges due to insufficient evidence presented to the grand jury. Attorney General James successfully appealed that ruling, leading to today's reinstatement of charges.
Criminal charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless found guilty at trial or by plea.