Edrick Faust: Georgia man charged with 2001 murder of UGA student after setting fire to her apartment
ATHENS, GEORGIA: In a significant development in a case spanning over two decades, a 48-year-old Georgia man, Edrick Lamont Faust, has been charged with the murder of 23-year-old law student Tara Louise Baker and the arson of her apartment 23 years ago.
Faust, denied bond in Athens, faces a litany of charges including murder, arson, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Prompted by this unsolved mystery, the GBI's cold case unit, in collaboration with Athens-Clarke County police, embarked on a thorough reexamination of the case last September. This concerted effort culminated in Faust's arrest on Thursday, May 9.
Insights into Tara Louise Baker murder
The tragic incident unfolded on January 19, 2001, when first responders were alerted to a fire at Baker's apartment, ultimately discovering her lifeless body.
“Tara Louise Baker was a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her,” GBI Director Chris Hosey said. “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.”
Baker, who would have celebrated her 24th birthday the day after she was found, academic achievements were notable, having graduated Cum Laude from Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1998 with two bachelor's degrees, as reported by FOX 5.
Long quest for justice in Tara Baker's case
She was last observed by friends at the University of Georgia Law School Library on the evening of January 18, and as per the station's report, she subsequently reached out to a friend to ensure their safe return home. “For many years, I have hoped the Baker family would find justice for the loss of Tara,” remarked Jerry Saulters, current Chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, in a statement. “This is a case that has lived with me throughout my career at ACCPD.
‘I remember being there during that horrific time. 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.”
Saulters had been on duty at the scene in 2001. Governor Brian Kemp lauded the investigative work that led to Faust's charges. “Last year, I signed the Coleman-Baker Act so that we can bring closure and justice, far too long deferred, to families like this,” he tweeted after Faust’s arrest on Thursday. “May Tara’s memory live on through the good work of this Unit.”
