Athens man denied bond in murder in 2001 death of UGA law student Tara Louise Baker

ATHENS, Ga. - Bond has been denied for the man accused of murdering University of Georgia law student Tara Louise Baker in Athens.

Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, of Athens, has been charged with multiple offenses including murder, felony murder, and arson in connection to Baker’s tragic death in 2001. His arrest potentially closing a 23-year-old cold case.

Who is Tara Louise Baker? 

Tara Louise Baker, born on January 20, 1977, in East Point, is remembered not only for her academic achievements but also for her remarkable character. A graduate of Lovejoy High School in 1995, Baker went on to attend Georgia College in Milledgeville, where she graduated Cum Laude in 1998 with two bachelor’s degrees. 

Friends and classmates recall Baker as a beacon of kindness and inclusivity. Her commitment to social justice was evident early on as she consistently advocated for those less fortunate and often led efforts to include all students in academic activities. 

Her academic prowess was matched by her dedication to making the university experience better for everyone around her. Baker was known for her ability to bring people together, ensuring that no serious student felt excluded from study groups or class projects. 

UGA law student's murder

On the morning of January 19, 2001, Athens-Clarke County firefighters discovered Baker’s body while responding to a fire at her Athens apartment located at 160 Fawn Drive. Investigations concluded the fire was an act of arson, part of a deliberate and heinous crime that abruptly ended the life of the 23-year-old student. 

Baker was last seen by friends around 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, at the UGA Law School Library. That same friend got a call from Baker around 9:46 p.m. to make sure they got home safely. She told her friend she planned to leave the library around 10 p.m. That was the last time she was seen.

An arrest warrant shows Baker died of strangulation, stab wounds to the neck, and blunt force trauma to the head. 

Faust has dozens of arrests documented in Athens-Clarke County. According to court records, less than a month after Baker was killed, Faust was arrested and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for cutting someone's neck. 

The GBI has not disclosed what exactly leds investigators to Faust.

Classic City Crime Podcast on Tara Baker murder

Cameron Jay Harrelson has followed Baker's case for years on his Classic City Crime Podcast.  

"Their hearts are filled with gratitude, but their hearts are also breaking. With this news, of course, comes the realization that, yes, someone will ultimately be held accountable for Tara's death, but also, with this news, comes the fact that they will now learn the real truth of what happened 23 years ago," said Harrelson. 

He hopes the arrest will bring closure to her family.

"Today is not necessarily a celebration, but it is certainly a moment of gratitude right because this is the first step in justice for Tara which is exactly what we've been advocating for," said Harrelson.

He helped push lawmakers to pass the Cameron-Baker Act last year which set up a ten-agent unit to solve cold cases.

"If we put time effort money people and resources into looking back at these old cold cases, we not only are going to bring justice for victims, but we're going to make sure that violent criminals are held accountable," said Harrelson. 

Reaction to break in Athens cold case murder 

ACCPD Chief Jerry Saulters, who was one of the first officers on the crime scene back in 2001, expressed his deep connection to the case and his pride in the investigators’ enduring commitment. "Seeing this case come full circle with the arrest based on evidence collected long ago is a testament to the persistent efforts of all the officers involved over the years," said Chief Saulters. 

"Today marks a significant step towards justice for Tara and her family, though it does not lessen the sorrow of her loss," stated GBI Director Chris Hosey. "The dedication of our GBI agents, forensic scientists, and local partners over the last 23 years has been pivotal in reaching this point." 

Gov. Brian Kemp praised law enforcement for making the arrest. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Unit and Athens-Clarke County Police Department were able to work out the evidence in September 2023 which led to Faust’s arrest. 

Tara Louise Baker's family reacts to arrest

In a statement given to FOX 5 from Classic City Crime Podcast host Cameron Jay, Baker's family said they were "eternally grateful" to law enforcement for "bringing us closer to the truth that has eluded us for 23 years.

"To all the people who have joined our fight, community and have grown to love Tara we cannot begin to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. We know our Tara held a special place in many hearts," the statement read.

While Thursday's announcement was one the family said they "have long prayed for," they said they still have many questions that remain unanswered.

They are asking for privacy at this time.

Any additional tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at GBI's tips submission page, or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.