The fifth day of the Tara Baker murder trial ended early last Friday, focusing on forensic evidence. The prosecution’s case against Edrick Faust relies on DNA evidence from the 2001 crime scene, examined under the Coleman-Baker Act, which created a specialized GBI Cold Case Unit, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
Court testimony included hair analysis and DNA testing. Experts discussed hairs found in Baker’s hands and advanced DNA testing that matched Faust in the FBI’s CODIS database, University of Georgia reported.
The trial has seen multiple disputes between defense attorney Ahmad R. Crews and Superior Court Judge Lisa Lott, including motions for mistrials over chain-of-custody concerns and fines for contempt of court related to earlier statements.
The prosecution requested redaction of a defense report naming an unrelated suspect, which Judge Lott ordered removed. The trial will continue, with the defense set to begin presenting its case.
