ATHENS, Ga. — Back in 2001, a University of Georgia law student was found dead inside her burned apartment in Athens after she had been brutally killed.
Over the last 23 years, Tara Baker's case has been ice cold -- until now.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Thursday that they arrested 48-year-old Edrick Lamont Faust of Athens and charged him with murder, two counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence and one count of aggravated sodomy in connection to Baker's killing.
In 2001, the 23-year-old law student from East Point was found dead inside her burned apartment off Fawn Drive in Athens around 11:20 a.m.
The police determined the fire was set on purpose and ruled her death a homicide.
Baker's family released the following statement Thursday night regarding the news of an arrest in her cold case:
"While this is a day we have long prayed for, it is not a day without grief and unanswered questions.
Our family is eternally grateful to the Cold Case Unit with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their dedication and diligence in 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.
As we process this new information and forge a path we ask for patience and respect for our family's privacy."
At the time, Baker was a first-year law school student at UGA. She had graduated from Lovejoy High School in East Point and enrolled in undergraduate studies at Georgia College in Milledgeville.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Baker was seen by a friend outside the library around 7:30 p.m. on the night of Jan. 18. That same friend got a call just about two hours later from Baker - who was still at the library - asking her if she had made it home safe.
Baker said she planned to leave the library around 10 p.m. That was the last time she was ever heard from.
"Tara Louise Baker was a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her," GBI Director Chris Hosey said in a news release. “Tara's life was stolen from her in a horrific act of violence. While this arrest does not bring her back to us, I pray that it helps bring closure to the Baker family as they continue their healing journey. I am proud of the work of the GBI Cold Case Unit and the GBI agents and scientists that devoted their efforts over the last 23 years to find justice for Tara."
I also want to express my gratitude to Athens-Clarke County investigators and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Patrol who have partnered with us in this case," the statement continued. "While this arrest is the first step in finding justice for Tara, there is still more work to be done. The GBI and our partners will never stop fighting for justice for victims and their families."
The case had gone cold for years but received new life in 2021 thanks to the Classic City Crime podcast, which highlights crimes in Athens, Georgia, according to the creators.
In September 2023, the GBI Cold Case Unit partnered with Athens-Clarke County Police to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the investigation into Baker’s death.
“For many years, I have hoped the Baker family would find justice for the loss of Tara,” said Jerry Saulters, now chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, who was an officer at the crime scene on January 19, 2001. “This is a case that has lived with me throughout my career at ACCPD. I remember being there during that horrific time. Seeing this case now full circle, I appreciate the hard work of the detectives, from then and now. Knowing that the evidence collected at that time contributed to the arrest today gives me tremendous pride in all the officers who worked this case over the years.”