In a recent development, a Georgia resident, Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, has been charged with the murder of Tara Louise Baker, a 23-year-old first-year law student, and the subsequent arson of her apartment.
The incident, which took place 23 years ago, has been reported by the New York Post.
Faust was denied bail in Athens following the charges, which included murder, two counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, and a single count of aggravated sodomy.
Baker's lifeless body was discovered in her apartment on January 19, 2001, after emergency services were alerted to a fire at the location. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later confirmed the fire was a case of arson.
"Tara Louise Baker was a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her," said GBI Director Chris Hosey.
In September 2023, the cold case unit of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation collaborated with Athens-Clarke County police to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the ongoing investigation into Baker's death. Faust was apprehended on Friday.
Hosey further commented on the case, "Tara's life was stolen from her in a horrific act of violence. While this arrest does not bring her back to us, I pray that it helps bring closure to the Baker family as they continue their healing journey."
"I am proud of the work of the GBI Cold Case Unit and the GBI agents and scientists that devoted their efforts over the last 23 years to find justice for Tara. I also want to express my gratitude to Athens Clarke-County investigators and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Patrol who have partnered with us in this case. While this arrest is the first step in finding justice for Tara, there is still more work to be done. The GBI and our partners will never stop fighting for justice for victims and their families."
Jerry Saulters, the current Chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, who was an officer at the crime scene in 2001, reflected on the case, saying: For many years, I have hoped the Baker family would find justice for the loss of Tara."
This is a case that has lived with me throughout my career at ACCPD. I remember being there during that horrific time. Seeing this case now full circle, I appreciate the hard work of the detectives, from then and now. Knowing that the evidence collected at that time contributed to the arrest today gives me tremendous pride in all the officers who worked this case over the years.
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