A 48-year-old Georgia man named Edrick Lamont Faust has been denied bond after being charged with the murder of 23-year-old first-year law student Tara Louise Baker and setting fire to her apartment 23 years ago. Faust faces multiple charges including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, arson, and tampering with evidence, among others. Baker was found dead in her apartment on Jan. 19, 2001, after a fire that was discovered to be arson. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s cold case unit partnered with Athens-Clarke County police to conduct an in-depth review of the case, leading to Faust’s arrest.
Tara Louise Baker, a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her, was tragically killed in a horrific act of violence. Although the arrest of Faust cannot bring her back, GBI Director Chris Hosey hopes that it brings closure to the Baker family as they continue to heal from their loss. Baker, who would have turned 24 the day after she was found, graduated Cum Laude from Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1998 with two bachelor’s degrees. She was last seen alive by friends at the University of Georgia Law School Library on Jan. 18, and she later called a friend to ensure their safety.
Jerry Saulters, now Chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, expressed his relief at the arrest of Faust in connection with Baker’s murder. Saulters had been present at the scene in 2001 and recalled the horrific nature of the case. He commended the hard work of detectives over the years, acknowledging the role of evidence collected at the time in leading to Faust’s arrest. Governor Brian Kemp also praised the investigators for their efforts, highlighting the importance of bringing closure and justice to families like the Bakers through legislative measures such as the Coleman-Baker Act.
The arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust in connection with Tara Louise Baker’s murder comes after years of waiting for justice. In 2001, Baker was found dead in her apartment after a fire was determined to be arson. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s cold case unit, in partnership with the Athens-Clarke County police, conducted a thorough review and analysis of the case, leading to the arrest of Faust. Faust faces multiple charges related to Baker’s murder, including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, arson, and tampering with evidence.
Tara Louise Baker’s promising life was cut short by a horrific act of violence, leaving her family and friends devastated. Faust’s arrest, while unable to bring Baker back, may offer some closure and justice to her loved ones. Governor Brian Kemp praised the investigators’ work and highlighted the importance of legislative measures such as the Coleman-Baker Act in ensuring that families waiting for justice are not left to wait indefinitely. The arrest of Faust in connection with Baker’s murder is a significant development in a case that has haunted the community for 23 years.
