Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Tara Louise Baker, a University of Georgia law student. Baker’s body was discovered in her burning apartment in Athens by firefighters. Faust is facing numerous charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, tampering with evidence, and arson. Authorities have been pursuing Baker’s killer for over two decades, and Faust’s arrest has brought a sense of closure to the case.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County police collaborated on the investigation, leading to Faust’s arrest. The arrest came as a result of an in-depth review and analysis conducted by the GBI’s cold case unit in partnership with local authorities. The circumstances surrounding Baker’s murder and the fire that was set in her apartment had long remained unsolved until recent developments that led to Faust being taken into custody.
While the news release did not specify the connection between Faust and Baker or what led investigators to him, Faust was booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail on a range of serious charges. These charges include malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, tampering with evidence, and arson. It is unclear whether Faust has legal representation at this time.
Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters, who was present at the crime scene in 2001 when Baker’s body was discovered, expressed relief that Baker’s family may finally see justice served. Saulters commended the detectives who have worked tirelessly on the case over the years, highlighting the significance of the evidence collected at the time of Baker’s death, which ultimately led to Faust’s arrest. GBI Director Chris Hosey regarded Faust’s arrest as a crucial step towards achieving justice for Baker.
The arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust in connection with Tara Louise Baker’s murder marks a significant milestone in a long-standing cold case. Firefighters responding to an apartment fire in Athens in January 2001 discovered Baker’s body, sparking a decades-long search for her killer. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies led to the recent breakthrough in the case, offering hope to Baker’s loved ones that justice may finally be served after more than two decades of uncertainty.
The arrest of Faust on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and other serious offenses signifies a major development in the investigation. The dedication of law enforcement officials, including the GBI’s cold case unit and Athens-Clarke County police, has been instrumental in advancing the case and providing answers to long-standing questions surrounding Baker’s tragic death. As legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further details that may shed light on the circumstances leading to Baker’s murder and the subsequent arrest of Faust.
