Authorities have made a significant breakthrough in a decades-old cold case involving the tragic death of Tara Louise Baker, a University of Georgia law student. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Athens-Clarke County police recently announced the arrest of Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, in connection with Baker's murder.
The case dates back to January 2001 when firefighters responding to a fire at Baker's apartment in Athens discovered her lifeless body. Subsequent investigations revealed that Baker had been intentionally killed, and the fire was set deliberately. Law enforcement had been tirelessly working to solve the case since then.
The GBI's cold case unit, in collaboration with Athens-Clarke County police, conducted a thorough review and analysis of the investigation in September, leading to Faust's arrest. The specific details that led authorities to Faust remain undisclosed, including any potential connection between him and Baker.
Edrick Lamont Faust faces a range of charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, tampering with evidence, and arson. Following his arrest, Faust was booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail.
Police Chief Jerry Saulters, who was present at the crime scene in 2001, expressed his relief at the progress made in the case. He commended the dedication of the detectives involved, past and present, in pursuing justice for Baker and her family.
GBI Director Chris Hosey emphasized that Faust's arrest marks a crucial step towards achieving justice for Tara Baker after more than two decades of uncertainty surrounding her tragic death.
