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Judge denies mistrial requests in Tara Baker murder case

Defense attorney Ahmad crews addresses Superior Court Judge Lisa Lott during day three court proceedings in Tara Baker murder case.
ACC Unified Government
Day three court proceedings in Tara Baker murder case.

Day three in the murder trial for the man accused of killing Tara Baker got underway Wednesday. The proceedings saw defense attorney Ahmad Crews calling for a mistrial twice.

“Granting a of a mistrial by the court is a very, of course, as you are well aware, extreme option,” Judge Lott said. “And it is done in very limited circumstances, where the matters that have been presented in court are of such a prejudicial level that the defendant cannot receive a fair trial. With regard to your motion, you have not sufficiently shown this court that that exists, so I’m going to deny your motion.”

Western Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Lisa Lott denied both requests.
Crews is representing Edrick Faust, who is accused of killing Baker in 2001.

Judge Lott addressed Crews outside of the jury’s presence.

“Having a slight tantrum every time you get a ruling you don’t agree with is really not appropriate.”

Prosecutors say the University of Georgia law student was beaten, raped, and stabbed before her home was set on fire to destroy evidence. Faust is facing multiple charges including murder, arson, and aggravated assault.

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!