Jury Selection Begins in 2001 UGA Law Student Murder Trial

Edrick Faust accused of killing Tara Baker over 20 years ago

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Jury selection has started in the murder trial of Edrick Faust, who is accused of killing University of Georgia law student Tara Baker in 2001. Faust was arrested in 2024 after DNA evidence helped investigators in the case. Baker's body was found at her burning off-campus Athens home when she was 23 years old.

Why it matters

This case has remained unsolved for over two decades, and the formation of the GBI Cold Case Unit was a direct result of Baker's murder. The trial represents a long-awaited chance for accountability and justice for Baker's family, who have lived with unimaginable grief since her death.

The details

Faust is charged with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing a death, arson, possession of a knife during a crime, tampering with evidence, and aggravated sodomy in connection with Baker's death. Investigators said there was no known connection between Faust and Baker.

  • Tara Baker was killed in 2001 at the age of 23.
  • Edrick Faust was arrested in 2024 after DNA evidence helped investigators.
  • Jury selection for Faust's trial began on January 28, 2026.

The players

Edrick Faust

The man accused of killing Tara Baker in 2001.

Tara Baker

A 23-year-old University of Georgia law student who was killed in 2001.

GBI Cold Case Unit

A unit formed as a direct result of Baker's unsolved murder.

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What they’re saying

“We acknowledge that the trial related to the murder of our daughter, Tara Louise Baker, is now underway. Tara was deeply loved. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a bright presence in our lives. For more than two decades, we have lived with unimaginable grief while holding onto hope for accountability. As this trial begins, we carry both the weight of our loss and the importance of truth.”

— Baker Family (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

The judge will preside over the trial, which is expected to last several weeks. The jury will ultimately decide the fate of Edrick Faust.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of cold case investigations and the lasting impact that unsolved murders can have on families and communities. After more than two decades, Tara Baker's family is finally getting their day in court, underscoring the need for persistence and advances in forensic science to bring closure to tragic cases.