Trooper charged with murder in pursuit that killed 11-year-old girl

NEW YORK (AP) - A New York state trooper has been charged with murder in the death of an 11-year-old girl by ramming his patrol vehicle into her family’s sport utility vehicle last December.

Trooper Christopher Baldner was indicted Wednesday on charges of murder, manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods.

The girl’s family was traveling on the New York State Thruway in 2020 when Baldner stopped them for speeding, during which he sprayed pepper spray into the vehicle. Monica’s father, Tristan Goods, drove off.

Baldner is accused of ramming the Goods family’s SUV twice in the ensuing pursuit. The SUV flipped several times and Monica was ejected and died.

Voicemail and email messages seeking comment were left with Baldner’s attorney.