New York state trooper has been charged with the murder of 11-year-old Monica Goods, who died last year while going to a family Christmas gathering with her father, stepmother and 12-year-old sister.

Officer Christopher Baldner, who was detained on Wednesday, is accused of ramming the family’s car twice from behind and causing it to flip during a high-speed chase on the New York Thruway in Ulster County, the Daily News reports. Baldner, now facing charges of murder, manslaughter and reckless endangerment, was suspended without pay. The officer was also placed on desk duty while the case was being investigated. 

“Police officers are entrusted to protect and serve, but Trooper Baldner allegedly violated that trust when he used his car as a deadly weapon and killed a young girl,” Attorney General Letitia James said. “While nothing will bring Monica back, we must hold law enforcement to the highest standards, which is why my office is committed to seeking justice in this case.”

Monica’s mother, Michelle Surrency, said the family is still fighting for justice.

"Trooper Baldner needs to be convicted and sent to jail,” she said.

The grieving mother said she misses her daughter's smile and sense of humor.

“She played jokes — she loved to dance and sing and anything an average 11-year-old child does and likes to do,” Surrency said. “You know, she was also very smart in school, always the top of her class. It’s sad and it hurts that we don’t have that any more.”

According to Monica's father, Tristin Goods, the officer pulled over the family for speeding. Baldner, according to the family, lost his temper and sprayed the car with pepper spray after arguing with them about the speed limit. 

Tristin said he feared for his life at that point and drove off, leading to the fatal high-speed chase. While he is grateful to see the officer facing charges, the heartbroken father isn't celebrating.

“No one is celebrating these events,” he said. “My little girl is dead. I am grateful to the grand jurors, the attorney general and all the community activists who would not let her name die.”

Baldner is also accused of ramming a car with three people in 2019 and similarly putting their lives in danger. The trooper is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 4. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life. 

Loved ones have set up a memorial page on social media in honor of the beloved child.

with your beautiful smile ????. Your Sisters and Brother miss you so much.The bond that you all have is unbreakable and will forever be cherished. This is what keeps me going. I will never give up. Just know you will never be forgotten the fight is not over. #justiceformonicagoods pic.twitter.com/gAGD8bsyJF

— Justice for Monica Goods (@MonicaGoods) October 22, 2021

Thomas Mungeer, president of the New York State Troopers PBA, is defending the officer.

"As this case makes its way through the legal system, we look forward to a review and public release of the facts, including the motorist’s reckless actions that started this chain of events," Mungeer said, according to the Record Online.