KINGSTON, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A New York state trooper charged with murder after a fatal pursuit ended in the death of an 11-year-old Brooklyn girl was denied bail Thursday.
An Ulster County judge ordered now-suspended trooper Christopher Baldner to remain in jail until his trial for Monica Goods' death.
Baldner allegedly rammed into her family's vehicle after he stopped the car for speeding through on a thruway in Ulster County on Dec. 22, 2020.
Officials said eventually Baldner deployed pepper spray and the girl’s father Tristan Goods, who was operating the vehicle, sped away. Baldner then followed the car and rammed into the rear of the Dodge Journey twice.
Prosecutors said the collision caused the vehicle to flip, killing Goods who was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
"Rather than being accidental, the defendant’s actions on Dec. 22 were deliberate, willful, and depraved,” Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi said.
He was indicted last week on other charges as well for the fatal incident, including manslaughter and reckless endangerment.
In announcing charges against Baldner, Attorney General Letitia James said he violated officers' trust to protect and serve by using his car as a "deadly weapon."
"While nothing will bring Monica back, we must hold law enforcement to the highest standards, which is why my office is committed to seeking justice in this case," James said.
Baldner is also accused of causing two similar chases in 2017 and 2019 that ended in collisions.
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