After 23 years, Athenian was arrested in the unsolved Tara Louise Baker case

Tara Louise Baker (Georgia Bureau of Investigation)

ATHENS, Ga. (WSAV) – Twenty-three years after the death of Tara Louise Baker, a first-year law student at the University of Georgia, an Athens man has been charged with murder, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced Thursday.

Edrick Faust, 48, is charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence and aggravated sodomy.

On the morning of January 19, 2001, the day before her 24th birthday, Athens-Clarke County firefighters discovered Baker’s body while responding to a fire at her apartment. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and launched an investigation that lasted over two decades.

In September 2023, the GBI Cold Case Unit worked with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the investigation.

It’s unclear what specifically led authorities to Faust, but officials praised the efforts of multiple agencies in the investigation.

“I am proud of the work of the GBI Cold Case Unit and the GBI agents and scientists who have worked to find justice for Tara over the past 23 years,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “I would also like to thank the Athens Clarke County investigators and the members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia State Patrol who worked with us on this case.

Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters, who worked the crime scene where Baker was found, said it was a case that has stuck with him throughout his career.

“I remember being there during that terrible time,” he said. “As this case has now come full circle, I appreciate the hard work of investigators then and now. Knowing that the evidence collected then contributed to today’s arrest gives me great pride in all the officers who have worked this case over the years.”

On X, Gov. Brian Kemp also praised the efforts to solve the case:

“Incredible work from her @GBI_GA Cold Case Unit and all of our partners in this case. Last year, I signed the Coleman-Baker Act so that we can bring closure and justice to families like this that have been delayed for far too long. May Tara’s memory live on through the good work of this unit.”

Baker’s family released the following statement regarding the arrest:

Although this is a day we have long prayed for, it is not a day without sadness and unanswered questions.

Our family is forever grateful to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Unit, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the 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 and our community and come to love Tara, we cannot begin to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. We know that our Tara held a special place in many hearts.

As we process this new information and find a way forward, we ask for your patience and respect for our family’s privacy.

The GBI encourages anyone with information about the investigation to submit a tip. Anonymous tips can be submitted by phone at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.