ATHENS, Ga. — In the high-profile murder trial of the man accused of killing University of Georgia law student Tara Baker more than 20 years ago, it was a fiery first day in court.
“Tara Louis Baker was a bright young 23-year-old from Lovejoy, Georgia,” said Kris Bolden, Athens-Clarke County Assistant District Attorney.
The prosecutors began outlining their case against suspect Edrick Lamont Faust by describing the person who was killed.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“In the early morning hours of Jan. 18, 2001, Tara’s promising future came to a violent and abrupt end,” Bolden told the court.
Prosecutors allege that Faust set her apartment on fire to conceal the crime.
“She was sexually assaulted, she was stabbed, she was strangled and she was left for dead on her bedroom floor,” Bolden said.
RELATED STORIES:
- Tara Baker murder trial: Jury selection begins for man charged in UGA law student’s death
- Man denied bond in 2001 murder of UGA law student after character witnesses take the stand
- GBI makes arrest in 23-year-old cold case murder of UGA law student
- Lawmakers introduce bill to bring new focus to cold case murders in Georgia
Defense Attorney Ahmad Crews tried to convince the jury of his client’s innocence.
“How did Mr. Faust get away unseen in the middle of the morning?” Crews asked.
Faust was not arrested until May of 2024, after a new DNA analysis linked him to the cold case. Faust is facing a 12-count indictment, including charges of murder, rape and arson.
During the first day of court, Crews was held in contempt of court.
“This is the second time, Judge, Mr. Crews has violated the rules to work himself around the state rules of Georgia,” District Attorney Kalki Yalamanchili said.
Judge Lisa Lott took that complaint seriously.
“As I just stated 10 minutes ago, I’m holding you in contempt of court and I’m fining you $1,000,” Lott told Crews.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
