Authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of University of Georgia student Tara Baker, more than two decades after the tragic incident occurred.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced that Edrick Lamont Faust, aged 48, has been charged with murder and is facing multiple other charges in relation to the death of a 23-year-old first-year law student.
“Tara Louise Baker, a dedicated student with a promising future, had her life tragically taken from her in a violent act,” expressed GBI Director Chris Hosey in a recent news release. “Although this arrest cannot bring her back, my hope is that it assists the Baker family in finding some closure as they navigate their healing process.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Unit recently conducted a thorough review of Baker’s case in September 2023, coinciding with the signing of the Coleman-Baker Act. Thanks to this renewed investigation, authorities were finally able to gather sufficient evidence to proceed with the arrest. The GBI has announced that a news conference will be held to share additional information regarding the investigation.
The Coleman-Baker Act, named after Sue Coleman and Tara Baker, two victims who lost their lives 21 years ago, was officially signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in 2023. This important legislation created a dedicated unit within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, specifically tasked with investigating cold cases. Furthermore, the act mandates that law enforcement agencies must actively investigate unsolved cases if more than six years have passed since the crime occurred.
“After the arrest was announced, Kemp took to social media to express his hope that Tara’s memory would live on through the positive efforts of this Unit.”
In a statement, her family expressed gratitude towards law enforcement, acknowledging that this day is one they have fervently prayed for. However, they also acknowledged that it is a day filled with grief and lingering unanswered questions.
