UPDATE: The murder trial of Christopher Baldner is underway, revealing harrowing details surrounding the fatal crash that claimed the life of 11-year-old Monica Goods. In a tense courtroom in Ulster County on October 29, 2025, emotional testimonies painted a devastating picture of the moments leading up to the tragedy.
During the opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Gashi presented a chilling recording from Baldner’s cell phone, capturing the frantic aftermath of the crash. The courtroom was filled with the anguished screams of Tristin Goods, Monica’s father, calling for his daughters as Baldner approached the overturned vehicle, threatening him with violent language.
Prosecutors allege that Baldner, a former state trooper, acted recklessly after pulling over Tristin Goods for speeding on the Thruway. They claim he rammed the family’s vehicle, resulting in a high-speed crash that overturned the Dodge Journey, killing Monica instantly on December 22, 2020.
The defense argues that Baldner was attempting to stop a dangerous driver, asserting that Tristin Goods was speeding up to 130 miles per hour and was a “sovereign citizen” who refused to comply with traffic laws. This trial scrutinizes Baldner’s actions, which some deem excessive.
The first witness, April Goods, Monica’s stepmother, described the chaos of that night. Her tearful testimony recounted how Baldner aggressively approached their vehicle, accusing them of shaking his car. The situation escalated quickly; despite pleas for compliance, Baldner eventually used pepper spray on the family, prompting Tristin to drive away in a panic.
April recalled the horrifying moments before the crash, stating, “Everybody was frantic. We just wanted to get to safety; we couldn’t understand why we were pepper-sprayed.” Just seconds after speeding away, she vividly described hearing loud impacts as their vehicle rolled over. “You could hear the banging of the metal, the glass just breaking,” she testified, her voice trembling with emotion.
The recording captures Baldner’s shouts, “he just rammed me,” as the situation spiraled. April Goods described Baldner’s subsequent behavior after the crash—screaming at Tristin and ignoring the family’s desperate calls for help as they searched for Monica.
In a tense cross-examination, Defense Attorney Anthony Ricco challenged April’s credibility, highlighting inconsistencies in her statements made to police and during previous depositions.
The trial will continue on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with further testimony from April Goods. As the courtroom remains on edge, the emotional impact of this tragic case is palpable.
Stay connected for live updates as this urgent trial unfolds. The Daily Freeman will provide ongoing coverage from the courtroom, bringing you the latest developments in this heart-wrenching case.
