A 48-year-old Georgia man charged with the murder of law student Tara Louise Baker has been denied bond in Athens. Edrick Lamont Faust stands accused of the brutal killing of the 23-year-old first-year law student and setting fire to her apartment in a chilling cold case dating back 23 years.

Faust faces a litany of charges, including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, arson, and tampering with evidence, among others, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The arrest comes after a joint effort between the GBI’s cold case unit and the Athens-Clarke County police, who conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of Baker’s death investigation.

Tara Louise Baker, a promising young student with a bright future, was found dead in her apartment on January 19, 2001, following a fire that was later determined to be arson. The tragic incident occurred just one day before Baker’s 24th birthday. Her untimely demise robbed her of the opportunity to fulfill her potential, leaving her family and friends shattered by the senseless act of violence.

Governor Brian Kemp commended the tireless efforts of investigators in bringing closure to Baker’s family after years of waiting for justice. He referenced the Coleman-Baker Act, signed into law last year, which aims to expedite the resolution of cold cases like Baker’s, offering solace to grieving families who have long awaited closure.

The arrest of Faust serves as a bittersweet milestone in a case that has haunted law enforcement and the community for over two decades. Chief Jerry Saulters of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, who was present at the scene in 2001, expressed his relief at seeing the case come full circle, acknowledging the dedication of detectives past and present who worked tirelessly to unravel the truth behind Baker’s tragic demise.

While Faust’s arrest cannot undo the pain inflicted upon Tara Louise Baker’s loved ones, it represents a significant step towards achieving justice and closure for her family and the community at large. As the legal proceedings unfold, the memory of Tara Louise Baker will continue to resonate, a poignant reminder of a life cut short and the enduring pursuit of justice in her name.