Ex-boyfriend testifies in trial over UGA law student's 2001 murder

Defense argues investigators did not properly investigate Tara Baker's boyfriend at the time of her death.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The trial of a man accused of killing University of Georgia law student Tara Baker more than 20 years ago is underway. The defense is arguing that investigators did not properly investigate Baker's boyfriend at the time of her death in 2001. Baker's ex-boyfriend, Chris Melton, took the stand on Tuesday, with the defense questioning why he was not more visibly upset after the murder.

Why it matters

This high-profile case has remained unsolved for over 20 years, and the defense's argument about the investigation's focus could raise questions about the original probe and the evidence used to arrest the current defendant, Edrick Faust, two years ago based on DNA evidence.

The details

Tara Baker, a University of Georgia law student, was found dead inside her home in Athens in 2001 after fire crews responded to a fire. Two years ago, Edrick Faust was arrested in Baker's death after DNA evidence led to his arrest. Now, the defense is arguing that investigators did not properly look into Baker's boyfriend, Chris Melton, at the time of the murder.

  • Tara Baker was found dead inside her home in Athens in 2001.
  • Two years ago, in 2024, Edrick Faust was arrested in Baker's 2001 death after DNA evidence led to his arrest.
  • The trial of the man accused of killing Tara Baker is currently underway in 2026.

The players

Tara Baker

A University of Georgia law student who was found dead inside her home in Athens in 2001.

Edrick Faust

The man who was arrested two years ago in 2024 for Tara Baker's 2001 murder based on DNA evidence.

Chris Melton

Tara Baker's ex-boyfriend who took the stand during the current trial, with the defense arguing that investigators did not properly investigate him at the time of the murder.

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What they’re saying

“When he was asked why he was not crying after the murder he said he was trying to keep it together.”

— Chris Melton (wrdw.com)

What’s next

The judge will continue to hear testimony and evidence as the trial progresses, with the defense's argument about the initial investigation potentially playing a key role.

The takeaway

This long-unsolved murder case highlights the challenges of cold cases and the importance of thorough investigations, as the defense is now questioning the original probe's focus on Tara Baker's ex-boyfriend rather than other potential suspects.