Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, was arrested and charged with murder in the January 2001 killing of Tara Louise Baker, a University of Georgia law student. Tara Baker’s body was found in her burning apartment in Athens by firefighters. Faust faces multiple charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, tampering with evidence, and arson. More than two decades after Baker’s death, authorities have finally made an arrest in her slaying.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County police announced Faust’s arrest in September 2023, after an “in-depth review and analysis” of the investigation was conducted by the GBI’s cold case unit. Investigators had determined that Baker had been killed and the fire intentionally set, leading to a long search for her killer. Faust was booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail on charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, tampering with evidence, and arson. The circumstances surrounding the arrest of Faust were not immediately clear, including how or whether he and Baker knew each other.
In a news release, Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters expressed his relief that Baker’s family may finally find justice after waiting for over two decades. Saulters, who was present at the crime scene in 2001, commended the hard work of detectives both past and present in bringing Faust to justice. GBI Director Chris Hosey also spoke out, calling Faust’s arrest “the first step in finding justice for Tara.” The resolution of this cold case is a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Tara Baker and her loved ones.
The arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust for the murder of Tara Louise Baker marks a turning point in a case that has remained unsolved for over twenty years. Baker, a promising law student, was found dead in her burning apartment in January 2001, sparking a lengthy investigation that has finally culminated in Faust’s arrest. The charges against Faust, which include malice murder and arson, shed new light on the circumstances of Baker’s death and offer hope to those who have been seeking justice for her.
As the investigation into Tara Baker’s murder continues, authorities are working to unravel the events leading to her tragic death. Faust’s arrest represents a breakthrough in a case that remained unsolved for far too long, offering closure to Baker’s family and bringing accountability to those responsible for her killing. The collaboration between the GBI’s cold case unit and Athens-Clarke County police demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims of violent crimes, even when years have passed since the initial incident. The impact of Faust’s arrest extends beyond resolving a cold case; it serves as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement agencies in seeking justice for victims and their families.
The arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust in connection with Tara Louise Baker’s murder has brought renewed attention to a case that has haunted the community for decades. Baker’s tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it have been the subject of speculation and intrigue for many years, making Faust’s arrest a significant development in the ongoing pursuit of justice. As the legal proceedings against Faust unfold, the details of his alleged involvement in Baker’s murder will be carefully examined and presented in court, shedding light on a case that has long been shrouded in darkness and uncertainty.
While the arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust for Tara Baker’s murder is a critical step towards justice, it also raises questions about the motives and circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities will continue to gather evidence and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for Baker’s murder are held accountable for their actions. As the legal process moves forward, the focus will remain on seeking justice for Tara Baker and bringing closure to a case that has remained unresolved for far too long. The arrest of Faust represents a significant breakthrough in a case that has lingered in the shadows for over two decades, offering hope to those who have been waiting for answers in the wake of Baker’s tragic death.
