A 48-year-old Georgia man, Edrick Lamont Faust, has been denied bond in connection 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, arson, possession of a knife during a felony, tampering with evidence, and aggravated sodomy. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation worked with Athens-Clarke County police to conduct a thorough review of the case, leading to Faust’s arrest in September. Baker was found dead in her apartment after firefighters responded to a fire, determined to be arson.
Tara Louise Baker was described as a hardworking student with a promising future. She graduated Cum Laude from Georgia College in 1998 with two bachelor’s degrees. On the night of her death, she was last seen alive by friends at the University of Georgia Law School Library, where she later called a friend to ensure their safe return home. Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters expressed relief that the Baker family could finally find justice after years of hoping for closure. Saulters, who had been present at the scene in 2001, praised the efforts of detectives both then and now who worked tirelessly on the case.
Governor Brian Kemp commended investigators for their work in charging a suspect in Baker’s case, citing the Coleman-Baker Act as a tool to bring closure and justice to families affected by similar tragedies. The arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust brings a sense of relief to the community and the victim’s family, with hopes that Tara’s memory will live on through the work of law enforcement. GBI Director Chris Hosey expressed his condolences to the Baker family and highlighted the tragic loss of Tara’s life due to an act of violence. While Faust’s arrest cannot bring her back, it is a step towards healing and justice for her loved ones.
Faust’s multiple charges, including felony murder, aggravated assault, and concealing the death of another, shed light on the severity of the crime committed against Tara Louise Baker. The partnership between GBI’s cold case unit and local law enforcement demonstrates the dedication and perseverance of investigators in solving cold cases and bringing perpetrators to justice. The arrest of Faust after 23 years reflects the relentless pursuit of truth and closure for victims and their families. Despite years passing since Baker’s death, the arrest of Faust proves that justice can still be served for those who have suffered from unsolved crimes.
The impact of Tara Louise Baker’s murder resonates with the community, prompting reflections on the consequences of heinous crimes and the long-lasting effects on the victim’s loved ones. The efforts of law enforcement in working on cold cases serve as a beacon of hope for families seeking closure and resolution after years of uncertainty. Governor Brian Kemp’s support of the investigators’ work and the enactment of relevant legislation indicates a commitment to serving justice for victims like Tara who have endured horrific acts of violence. The arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust serves as a reminder that justice may be delayed but will eventually prevail for those who have suffered injustices.
