floriparesort.com – 03 June 2026 | An Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced to prison for his role in the death of 11-year-old Monica Goods has brought a sense of closure to the case, but the family of the young girl still mourns her loss. The Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced, Christopher Baldner, was given a prison term of 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 years for his part in the high-speed pursuit on the New York State Thruway that led to Monica’s death.
According to the official reports, Baldner pulled over a car driven by Monica’s father, Tristin Goods, in December 2020 for a speeding violation. Monica and her sister Tristina were in the back seat, while her stepmother, April Goods, was in the passenger seat. The situation escalated when Tristin Goods had an altercation with Baldner, during which Baldner deployed his pepper spray into the vehicle.
Tristin Goods then sped off, reaching speeds of up to 130 mph, with Baldner following in pursuit. The Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced eventually rammed the car twice from behind to stop it, resulting in a crash that ejected Monica from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead a short time later.
The case led to widespread protests and calls for justice, with many questioning the actions of the Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced. During the trial, Baldner’s defense team attempted to shift the blame to Tristin Goods, saying he had acted recklessly during the high-speed chase. However, the prosecution argued that Baldner had recklessly used his patrol car as a weapon, leading to the deadly outcome.
In her victim impact statement, Monica’s mother, Michelle Surrency, expressed her grief and sense of loss, stating that there are truly no words to capture the depth of this loss. She also said that for her, there will never be justice, as the only real justice would be Monica coming back. The Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced has been a topic of discussion, with many feeling that the sentence is not enough to compensate for the loss of the young girl’s life.
The Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced has also announced plans to appeal the sentence, with his defense attorney stating that they will see what the appellate division says. The case has sparked a wider conversation about police accountability and the use of force during pursuits. As the Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced begins his prison term, the family of Monica Goods will continue to seek justice and closure in the wake of their devastating loss.
In conclusion, the Ex-NYSP trooper sentenced to prison for his role in Monica Goods’ death is a reminder of the need for accountability and responsible actions from law enforcement officers. The case serves as a tragic example of the consequences of reckless behavior and the importance of prioritizing the safety of all individuals involved in high-speed pursuits.
