Man Charged With Murder In Killing Of UGA Law Student 23 Years Ago
ATHENS, GA — After 23 years, an arrest was made Thursday in connection with the death of an University of Georgia law school student whose body was found in a fire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Athens-Clarke County firefighters were responding around 11:15 a.m., Jan. 19, 2001, to a fire at an Athens apartment when they found 23-year-old Tara Louise Baker dead. The fire had been purposely set, the GBI said. An official cause of death for Baker is not immediately known.Baker, a 1995 Lovejoy High School graduate, was in her first year at UGA's law school, the GBI said. After high school, she enrolled at Georgia College in Milledgeville, the GBI said.The GBI's Cold Case Unit linked with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on the investigation into Baker's death in September 2023, authorities said.The GBI said Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, was charged in connection with her killing. Clarke County Jail records show Faust was arrested Thursday and remained incarcerated Friday.Faust was charged on suspicion of 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, the GBI said. The GBI did not release further details related to Baker's death.After news broke of Faust's arrest, Baker's family released a statement Thursday night via the Classic City Crime Podcast.The family said while they have prayed for the day an arrest was made, the day is not absent of grief and unanswered questions."Our family is eternally grateful to the Cold Case Unit with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their dedication and diligence in bringing us closer to the truth that has eluded us for 23 years."To all the people who have joined our fight, community and have grown to love Tara, we cannot begin to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. We know our Tara held a special place in many hearts. As we process this new information and forge a path, we ask for patience and respect for our family’s privacy," Baker's family said.GBI Director Chris Hosey said in a news release that Baker was hardworking with a bright future."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," Hosey said."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." Athens-Clarke County Police Department Chief Jerry Saulters was an officer at the time of Baker's death. Saulters said the case stuck with him throughout his career."I remember being there during that horrific time," he said in the release. "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.” A news conference on Faust's arrest is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday, the GBI said.The article Man Charged With Murder In Killing Of UGA Law Student 23 Years Ago appeared first on Athens, GA Patch.
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