Georgia man arrested and charged with murder of law student in cold case involving 23-year-old man

According to the New York Post, a Georgia man was recently charged with murdering 23-year-old first-year law student Tara Louise Baker and then setting her apartment on fire 23 years ago.

Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, was denied bail in Athens after being charged with murder, two counts of aggravated murder, one count of aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony and tampering with evidence and one single charge of aggravated sodomy.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Baker was eventually found dead in her apartment on January 19, 2001, after emergency responders were called to the scene for a fire that was later determined to be arson.

“Tara Louise Baker was a hard-working student with a bright future ahead of her.”

In September 2023, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Cold Case Division reportedly worked with Athens-Clarke County Police to conduct an “in-depth review and analysis of the ongoing investigation into Baker’s death.”

Faust was arrested on Friday.

GBI director Chris Hosey said: “Tara Louise Baker was a hard-working student with a bright future ahead of her. Tara’s life was stolen from her in a horrific act of violence. Although this arrest does not bring her back to us, I pray it will help provide closure for 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 who have worked to find justice for Tara over the past 23 years. I would also like to express my gratitude to the investigators and members of Athens Clarke-County.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia State Patrol cooperated with us on this case. Although this arrest is the first step in finding justice for Tara, there is still much work to be done. The GBI and our partners will never stop fighting for justice for victims and their families.”

Jerry Saulters – now chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department who served as an officer at the scene in 2001 – commented on the development, saying: “For many years I have hoped that the Baker family would find justice for the loss of Tara.”

“This is a case that has stayed with me throughout my career with ACCPD. I remember being there during that terrible time. As this case comes 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.”

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