A former New York state trooper was convicted of manslaughter Friday in the death of an 11-year-old girl during a high-speed chase in December 2020. Christopher Baldner was found guilty at his second trial after a jury deadlocked on the manslaughter charge in November.

The incident occurred on December 22, 2020, when Baldner pulled over Tristin Goods for speeding on the New York State Thruway near Kingston. Goods was traveling north from New York City with his wife and two daughters to visit family. An argument ensued between Baldner and Goods, during which the trooper pepper-sprayed the inside of the vehicle. Goods then drove away, prompting Baldner to pursue.

Prosecutors alleged that Baldner rammed the SUV twice during the chase, causing it to lose control and flip over. Monica Goods, 11, was killed in the crash. Assistant State Attorney General Jennifer Gashi argued that Baldner chose to "recklessly use his patrol car as a weapon" during the pursuit.

The defense maintained that the collision was accidental, occurring when the SUV cut off Baldner's patrol car as he pulled alongside during the chase. Defense attorney Anthony Ricco argued that Tristin Goods acted recklessly and caused his daughter's death. An accident reconstruction expert for the defense testified that Goods lost control when he overcorrected after what was described as "a very minor impact."

In November, a jury had acquitted Baldner of murder and reckless endangerment charges but deadlocked on the second-degree manslaughter count. Judge Bryan Rounds declared a mistrial, leading to the second trial that concluded Friday. Baldner retired from the state police in 2022 after nearly 20 years of service.