May 10, 20241 min read

Arrest made in 2001 murder of UGA law student Tara Baker

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.”