Murder charge reinstated against former trooper

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A second degree murder, depraved indifference charge was reinstated against a former New York State Police trooper from Catskill. Christopher Baldner is accused of causing a deadly crash on the Thruway in December 2020.

The New York Attorney General's Office said the New York State Appellate Court reinstated the charge against Baldner on Thursday after it was tossed out by an Ulster County judge in 2023. Prosecutors said Baldner crashed his NYSP cruiser into a car in Ulster County, which killed 11-year-old Monica Goods.

The New York State Trooper's Police Benevolent Association spoke out against the decision saying the ruling could make it more difficult for police officers to do their jobs. They said in a statement: “We strongly disagree with the decision, which we believe improperly reinstated the ‘depraved indifference’ charge. We are deeply concerned that this ruling, if it stands, sets a dangerous precedent that could put a chill on law enforcement officers’ ability to do their job effectively and protect and serve the public. The PBA will continue to support retired Trooper Baldner and cover his legal expenses as he seeks leave to appeal this decision to the Court of Appeals.”

A first degree reckless endangerment charge was also reinstated. The AG's office said it stems from a separate incident in September 2019 where Baldner allegedly used his police vehicle to hit a different car, which contained three people.