Decades of Determination: Arrest Made in 23-Year-Old Murder Case of UGA Law Student
In a significant breakthrough in a cold case that has puzzled investigators for over two decades, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), in collaboration with the Athens-Clarke County Police
Department (ACCPD), announced the arrest of 48-year-old Edrick Lamont Faust for the 2001 murder of Tara Louise Baker. This announcement has rekindled a mix of sorrow and relief in the Athens community, where Baker, a bright young law student at the University of Georgia, met her tragic fate.
On January 19, 2001, a day shrouded in tragedy, firefighters responded to a reported apartment fire in Athens, Georgia. Amid the charred remains, they discovered the body of 23-year-old Tara Louise Baker, initially hidden by the intentionally set blaze. This horrific discovery marked the beginning of a long, arduous journey for law enforcement seeking justice for a life so cruelly taken.
Tara, who would have turned 24 the following day, was a first-year law student with an impressive academic background. She had graduated Cum Laude from Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1998, earning dual bachelor’s degrees. Known for her diligence and aspirations in the legal field, Tara’s untimely death was a profound loss to her family and her peers and professors who saw in her the potential for significant contributions to society.
The primary suspect, Edrick Lamont Faust, now faces a slew of charges including murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, and aggravated sodomy. His arrest came as a result of renewed efforts by the GBI’s Cold Case Unit, which partnered with ACCPD in September 2023 to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of Baker’s case.
This renewed investigation involved revisiting old evidence, re-interviewing witnesses, and employing the latest in forensic technology. GBI Director Chris Hosey highlighted the pivotal role of forensic advancements in the breakthrough, stating, “Forensic science has advanced significantly since 2001, and applying new technologies to the evidence collected at the time has been crucial in moving this case forward.”
The case has not only resonated within the confines of law enforcement but also touched the broader Athens community and the University of Georgia. Jerry Saulters, now Chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and an officer at the scene of the crime in 2001, reflected on the emotional weight of this case, “For over two decades, this case has been a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the persistence required in the pursuit of justice. Seeing it now reach a turning point gives me a profound sense of duty fulfilled.”
Governor Brian Kemp also weighed in on the case, linking it to broader state efforts to ensure justice in long-unsolved crimes. He praised the relentless pursuit of justice by the GBI and ACCPD and underscored his administration’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in solving cold cases.
As the legal proceedings against Faust prepare to unfold, the community and Tara’s family cautiously anticipate a long-awaited closure. While the arrest does not diminish the pain of loss, it provides a crucial step toward justice for Tara Louise Baker, whose life and potential were unjustly stolen.
Looking ahead, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and complexities of solving cold cases. It underscores the necessity for persistent, meticulous investigative work and the importance of integrating new technologies into forensic investigations.
As this case progresses, it will continue to serve as a focal point for discussions on legal reforms and the advancements in forensic science that increasingly play a role in solving such profound mysteries.
The resolution of Tara Louise Baker’s case, after more than two decades, is a testament to the dedication of the GBI, ACCPD, and all involved in law enforcement who strive to ensure that justice is not merely an ideal, but a reality that can be achieved, regardless of the time that has passed.
