UPDATE: The trial of former state trooper Christopher Baldner has ended in a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the second-degree manslaughter charge related to the tragic death of 11-year-old Monica Goods. At 4:12 p.m. on November 21, 2025, the Ulster County jury, comprised of nine men and three women, informed Judge Bryan Rounds that they had deliberated for over 23 hours but remained deadlocked.
The jury’s inability to decide on this critical charge means Baldner will face a retrial, further prolonging the legal proceedings surrounding this devastating incident. During the four-week trial, jurors heard harrowing testimonies, including from the victim’s father, Tristin Goods, who was driving the vehicle during the crash.
Prosecutors had alleged that Baldner acted with “depraved indifference to human life” when he intentionally rammed the Goods’ vehicle following a high-speed chase on the New York State Thruway on December 22, 2020. This violent maneuver led to the SUV crashing into a guardrail and ultimately resulted in Monica’s death, a tragedy that has profoundly affected the local community.
While the jury acquitted Baldner of second-degree murder and several counts of reckless endangerment, they could not reach a consensus on whether he consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death, which is necessary for a manslaughter conviction. The jurors had been urged by Judge Rounds to continue deliberating, but they reported they had “exhausted all avenues” for reaching an agreement.
Baldner’s defense team successfully argued for his release from house arrest, and he remains free on $100,000 bail. If convicted of the manslaughter charge, he could face 5 to 15 years in prison, a stark contrast to the potential 25 years to life he would have faced if found guilty of murder.
As the community processes the outcome of this trial, the emotional impact remains palpable. The Goods family, still reeling from their loss, has yet to comment following the mistrial announcement.
Authorities confirm that a new trial date will be set, ensuring that the pursuit of justice for Monica Goods continues. The case has drawn significant attention, and many are left questioning the implications of police conduct during high-speed pursuits.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
