By Joe Johnson
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced the arrest of an Athens man in a 23-year-old cold case.
Tara Louise Baker, 23, was found dead after a fire at her apartment on Fawn Drive in 2001. Investigators determined that the fire was set intentionally.
n 2023, the GBI Cold Case Unit partnered with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the investigation into the murder of the first-year University of Georgia law student.
The GBI said that agents arrested 48-year-old Edrick Lamont Faust on charges of malice and felony murder, with murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, aggravated sodomy.
ACCPD Chief Jerry Saulters was a patrol officer who responded to the Baker crime scene two decades ago.
“For many years, I have hoped the Baker family would find justice,” he said. “This is a case that has lived with me throughout my career at ACCPD. I remember being there during that horrific time.”
“Tara Louise Baker was a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her,” says GBI Director Chris Hosey. “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.”