On January 19, 2001, Athens-Clarke County firefighters found Tara Baker’s body responding to a fire at her Athens apartment. The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set, and investigators spent over two decades seeking answers in the case.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, discusses the resolution of a 23-year-old cold case involving law student Tara Baker from Athens, Georgia.

Joined by Cameron Jay, the host of the Classic City Crime Podcast, they dive into the investigation, the advocacy efforts, and the legislative impact of House Bill 88. Cameron also shares the perseverance of Tara’s family, the power of community, and the technological advancements that led to solving this case.

Guest Bio and Links:

Cameron Jay is a true crime junkie whose fascination with the subject comes from the heart-crime is personal. Having a second cousin who was murdered, and a best friend killed at the hands of a distracted driver, Cameron believes in advocating for justice and seeking answers for all. Cameron obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of West Georgia in May 2024. Cameron is the host of Classic City Crime Podcast

Listeners can learn more about Cameron Jay at his website, and on IG @classiccitycrime

[Feature Photo: Tara Louise Baker/Georgia Bureau of Investigation]