Tara Baker's murder trial: Baker's boyfriend takes the stand
Victim's boyfriend testifies in murder trial
Week two of the murder trial for the man accused of killing University of Georgia law student Tara Baker began Monday in Athens-Clarke County.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. - Week two of the murder trial for the man accused of killing University of Georgia law student Tara Baker began Monday in Athens-Clarke County.
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What we know:
Edrick Faust is charged with Baker’s 2001 killing. Her body was discovered inside her burning Athens apartment one day before her 24th birthday.
Prosecutors say advances in DNA testing in recent years conclusively link Faust to the decades-old cold case. Testimony last week focused heavily on hair follicles, which prosecutors say are central to the DNA evidence tying Faust to the crime.
Tara Baker’s boyfriend, Chris Melton, took the stand to testify on behalf of the prosecution.
During his hours-long testimony, Melton revealed he was the person who identified Baker’s body after the crime.
Melton talked about his relationship with Baker and how her law school studies and his job impacted how often they saw each other.
He also explained that he helped investigators with the case and never refused to speak with the police.
Melton has never been charged in association with Baker's death.
What's next:
The trial is expected to continue with additional testimony this week as the state seeks to prove Faust’s involvement in Baker’s death.