Classic City Crime Podcast

04/09/2024

Our prayers are with the Winder-Barrow community and all those affected by today's school shooting. As we await more details, may we all join together in support of our neighbors.

28/08/2024

If you would have told me when we started this podcasting journey together I’d be joining Julie Grant on COURT TV to share about Tara’s story in response to an arrest and indictment in her unsolved case, I wouldn’t have believed you. Not because I believed it was impossible, but because I never expected the collaborations that would lead us all to this moment.

But together, we have arrived here. Together, we advocated for Justice. Together, we helped the Baker family ensure that Tara- and her remarkable life- would never, ever be forgotten. Now, together, let us pray and believe that justice will finally be brought home for the Baker family. Let us support them and remember them in our thoughts in the coming months.

This isn’t for me nor has it ever been about me. This isn’t for the Podcast either, really. It’s so much bigger than that. This is, and always has been, for Mrs. Virginia…for her Tara.

Keep believing. Keep watching. Keep praying that as the wheels of justice turn, the truth will continue to be revealed. This is my heart’s prayer.

For Justice,
For Tara,
Cameron Jay

You can watch the interview from this morning at the link below. I’m grateful to Court TV for sharing Tara’s story, and to Julie Grant for her deep compassion for victims and their families. ⚖️

Cameron Jay, creator of Classic City Crime Podcast about Tara Baker’s death joins Court TV and speaks out about the case and his relationship with the family.

20/08/2024

Bond denied! Please join me in continuing to pray for and support The Baker Family!

More soon,
With Love
Cameron Jay

Edrick Faust, the man accused of killing UGA law student Tara Baker in 2001, was denied bond Tuesday in Athens.

12/08/2024

My only focus in the coming months: supporting Tara’s family.

📸: with Meredith, Tara’s Sister and her Champion

06/08/2024

May the wheels of justice continue to turn for Tara and her family. ❤️

By Joe Johnson A Superior Court grand jury has indicted 49-year-old Edrick Lamont Faust for the murder of University of Georgia law school student Tara Louise Baker that had gone unsolved for 23 years until the Athens man was arrested in May of this year.On Friday the grand jury returned a 12-count....

14/06/2024

This morning, I was with The Baker Family and some of Tara’s classmates, friends, and colleagues at the bond hearing for the man who has been charged in her 2001 murder. The wheels of Justice are beginning to turn, and we’re going to continue to let the system do its job to bring justice and the truth home for Mrs. Virginia, her children, and all who knew and loved Tara most.

Our focus over the next few months will remain where it always has- on supporting and uplifting Tara’s family. There are few who can imagine the many emotions that accompany being in the same room with the man who took your daughter, sister, and friend. Please join me in continuing to pray for the Bakers and Tara’s friends as this process begins.

Our friend Wayne Ford with Athens Banner-Herald & OnlineAthens.com wrote an article about today’s hearing and the outcome. Read more below.

The suspect in the 2001 slaying of UGA law school student Tara Baker has a new attorney resulting in a delay of his bond hearing.

08/06/2024

A sweet surprise in the mail from The Buchanans in California. When I covered the story of their daughter Beth’s life, legacy, and her preventable death, I never imagined they’d become such close friends. That seems to always happen, and it makes my heart feel so full.

This work has always been about so much more than podcasting. But about relationship building. About justice.

Thank you, Julie, Tim, and Claire for this thoughtful gift…I see why they were Beth’s favorites.

May we keep believing in .

05/06/2024

Listeners! If you haven’t heard, I’ve joined the team at The Cancer Foundation as the Relationship Manager (y’all know relationship building is one of my passions!)

TCF is a local nonprofit whose mission is to “help alleviate the financial burden of cancer” for patients right here in North Georgia! We do this by providing direct financial assistance for non-medical related expenses and nutritional assistance for our neighbors and friends in treatment. It’s truly an honor to get to do this work, and I want you to be a part of it!

I’ll never forget the kindness this community we’ve built here together showed to me during my battle with cancer last year. It is my hope that together we can continue to help others, too!

I’d be so appreciative if you’d “Like” and “Follow” us on Facebook at the link below for opportunities to join me in getting involved by becoming a doer, donor, or door opener with us! ❤️ Thank you, CCC!

https://www.facebook.com/cancerfoundationga?mibextid=LQQJ4d

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡?

This month, we celebrate the strength and resilience of cancer survivors. With over 17 million cancer survivors in the U.S. (ACS), their journeys inspire us all. As one survivor wisely said, "The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." - C.C. Scott

Here at the Cancer Foundation, we recognize the triumphs and challenges of survivorship, and we honor every story. As we celebrate the survivors, we also extend our hearts to those who are still fighting and to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Every story is unique, and every journey is significant.

Join us in spreading hope and support this National Cancer Survivor Month. Together, we can make a difference!

05/06/2024

Please share this story to help find 12-year-old Maria Gomez-Perez, missing from Gainesville since last Wednesday. We all know there’s power in community and getting these stories out there!

My thoughts are with her family- and my prayers are with her for a safe return.

28/05/2024

𝑨 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒏 𝑱𝒂𝒚...

"Like so many of you, I've been processing a lot of emotions since the news broke that someone had been arrested in Tara Louise Baker's homicide- a case that had been unsolved for over 23 years. I know this rollercoaster of emotions could never compare to what Mrs. Virginia, Meredith, Kevin, Adam, and all of you who knew and loved Tara so dearly have been feeling. My prayers and love continue to be sent to each and every one of you.

The overwhelming emotion that I keep coming back to is simple: gratitude. My heart is filled with such gratitude for Tara's family. For over two decades, they never stopped fighting. They never stopped asking questions. They never gave up hope that justice for Tara might one day be realized. The Bakers took a chance on me when I told them I had one very simple goal in starting Classic City Crime Podcast: to tell Tara's story to the world. It was that simple. And, they stayed with me every step of the way. Getting to call them more than just friends, but family, is one of my life's greatest blessings.

There is also gratitude for you, our listeners. You all came together and formed a community centered around upltifting Tara's family and her story. When the storytelling journey was complete, you pivoted with me to advoacy not only for Tara's family, but for hundreds of families like hers who are still waiting for answers. Together we saw to it that the Coleman-Baker Act would become law, and I believe firmly that this advocacy is why we are having this conversation today. A special thank you to Representatives Houston Gaines and Stacey Evans (along with countless other lawmakers), Scot Turner, the Coleman family, and this community for coming together to ensure Tara and Rhonda's legacies would live on-- and help others. I can honestly say we never, ever thought Tara's case would be the first to be solved under the provisions of the law.

Lastly, I have a deep appreciation, respect, and thankfulness for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. They brought this case home and viewed myself, the family, and ACCPD as true partners. When the Coleman-Baker Act passed, they got right to work putting the tools, resources, and personpower needed to show that there is power and value in looking back at unsolved homicides. Something really can be done-- it must be done. My heart is also filled with gratitude to Chief Jerry Saulters of the ACCPD and his entire team, as they, too, helped advocate for this new era of re-investigation of cold cases.

I hope you'll take a moment to hear my thoughts in this video. I address where we're going from here, ask a few requests of you, and then share a song that I sent to Mrs. Virginia in the days after the news made headlines. "Praise You In This Storm" has always been one of my favorites...and I hope we'll all do exactly that in the days and months to come."

For Tara,
For Justice,
Cameron Jay

18/05/2024

Interesting story from our friends at The Oconee Enterprise!

Serial killer rests in Watkinsville: Woman poisoned children and adults By Caitlin Farmer | May 15, 2024 | 0 Roberta Brown Elder, often referred to during her trial as “Mrs. Bluebeard,” was born in Watkinsville, in the early 1900s and found guilty in 1953 of poisoning her husband, Rev. William M...

13/05/2024

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will host a news conference regarding the Tara Baker case at 2:30pm EST today. You can watch the livestream here:

13/05/2024

Many of our listeners have asked how they can send me a gift for my graduation. I am humbled by the ask.

In lieu of gifts, I am requesting that listeners make a donation to The Cancer Foundation, a local non-profit who helps alleviate the financial burden of cancer for LOCAL patients in our area! As someone who faced this diagnosis last year, I hope to continue to pay it forward to others like me.

I am very close to reaching my $1,000 goal! You can send me a "Cheers!" by making a donation to my campaign here:

Cameron Jay is officially graduating on May 11th, 2024 from The University of West Georgia with a B.S. in Criminology! In lieu of personal gifts, Cameron is asking his friends and family to support The Cancer Foundation with a donation.

12/05/2024

On this Mother’s Day…thinking of you!

11/05/2024

This one is for every listener who encouraged me to finish my degree; this one’s for you, Mrs. Virginia!

Bachelor of Science in Criminology ❤️

11/05/2024

The wheels of justice continue to turn in Athens-Clarke County.

More from our friends at Athens Banner-Herald & OnlineAthens.com

Athens-Clarke police announced Friday the capture of a suspect in a 3-year-old's fatal shooting in Brooklyn, New York.

10/05/2024

10/05/2024

Tara Baker's family has asked me to share the following statement with all of you tonight. I ask that you keep them in your prayers and that you respect their privacy during this difficult time. See the pain text statement below:

𝐎𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲

While this is a day we have long prayed for, it is not a day without grief and unanswered questions.

Our family is eternally grateful to the Cold Case Unit with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their dedication and diligence in bringing us closer to the truth that has eluded us for 23 years.

To all the people who have joined our fight, community and have grown to love Tara we cannot begin to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. We know our Tara held a special place in many hearts.

As we process this new information and forge a path we ask for patience and respect for our family’s privacy.

# # #

09/05/2024

After 23 years, an Athens man has been charged with murder by the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for the death of Tara Louise Baker, a 23-year-old UGA law school student.

READ MORE:
Athens-Clarke County, GA (May 9, 2024) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), along with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), announces the arrest of an Athens man in the murder investigation of Tara Louise Baker. After 23 years, GBI agents have charged Edrick Lamont Faust, age 48, with murder, two counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, arson, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, and one count of aggravated so**my in connection with Baker’s death.

In September of 2023, the GBI Cold Case Unit partnered with ACCPD to conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the ongoing investigation into Baker’s death.

On January 19, 2001, around 11:20 a.m., Athens-Clarke County firefighters found Tara Louise 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.

At the time, Tara was 23 and a first-year law school student at the University of Georgia. She graduated from Lovejoy High School in 1995 and enrolled at Georgia College in Milledgeville.

"Tara Louise Baker was a hardworking student with a bright future ahead of her," says GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Tara's life was stolen from her in a horrific act of violence. While this arrest does not bring her back to us, I pray that it helps bring closure to the Baker family as they continue their healing journey. I am proud of the work of the GBI Cold Case Unit and the GBI agents and scientists that devoted their efforts over the last 23 years to find justice for Tara. I also want to express my gratitude to Athens Clarke-County investigators and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia State Patrol who have partnered with us in this case. While this arrest is the first step in finding justice for Tara, there is still more work to be done. The GBI and our partners will never stop fighting for justice for victims and their families."

“For many years, I have hoped the Baker family would find justice for the loss of Tara,” says Jerry Saulters, now Chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, who was an officer at the crime scene on January 19th, 2001. “This is a case that has lived with me throughout my career at ACCPD. I remember being there during that horrific time. Seeing this case now full circle, I appreciate the hard work of the detectives, from then and now. Knowing that the evidence collected at that time contributed to the arrest today gives me tremendous pride in all the officers who worked this case over the years.”

The following agencies & work units assisted the GBI Cold Case Unit and ACCPD:

- FBI Gainesville RA
- FBI Athens RA
- FBI Athens Safe Streets Task Force
- GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO)
- GBI – Division of Forensic Sciences
- Georgia State Patrol

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to submit a tip. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

‌
There will be a news conference in the coming days. More details to follow.

09/05/2024

We shook the trees. We advocated. We kept the faith.

An arrest has been made in Tara Louise Baker’s homicide.

Please join me in praying for Mrs. Virginia, Meredith, Adam, and Kevin— and all who knew and loved Tara. I will have more to say in the coming days.

But for now I will leave it here: There will be

Athens-Clarke County, GA (May 9, 2024) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), along with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), announces the arrest of an Athens man in the murder investigation of Tara Louise Baker. After 23 years, GBI agents have charged Edrick Lamont Faust, age....

09/05/2024

Perhaps the greatest blessing in doing this podcast has been getting to know the families who bravely share their stories and their truth.

Tonight I was able to meet the family of Beth Elaine Buchanan, whose life continues to inspire me and whose preventable death at the hands of a drunk driver has reminded us all of the responsibility we assume when we get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Mrs. Julie, Mr. Tim, Claire & Hunter, and Asa— thank you for sharing Beth with me and the world. I’m so grateful you trusted me to tell her story; and I’m even more grateful to call you all, “friend.”

I’m continuing to believe for

27/04/2024

This National Crime Victims' Week, I reaffirm my commitment to justice for all.

My opponent is the only prosecutor in Georgia who has been found to be in violation of Marsy’s Law for violating victims’ rights on multiple occasions. Marsy’s Law was adopted to make sure that victims’ rights are protected, particularly in the most serious cases. Victims deserve a prosecutor who delivers justice for them not one who repeatedly violates their rights.

Our community desperately needs a change. With my extensive experience and professional background, I am equipped and ready to deliver that change.

This election stand up for victims with your vote, so I can stand up for victims in the courtroom.

14/03/2024

Tonight's the night!!

Our very own Cameron Jay will be a model in the What They Were Wearing Fashion Show and Silent Auction in support of SANE, INC this evening at Hadden Estates!

Help us continue raising money for SANE ahead of tonight's event by clicking the link below! All money raised benefits SANE, Inc, who provides victim forensic medical examinations, evidence collection, forensic interviews, advocacy, court testimony and education related to the sexual assault of children and adults.

Thank you in advance for your contributions...we are a family here at Classic City Crime Podcast and we so appreciate you helping us help organizations like SANE!

Donate Here:

I'll be modeling at the What They Were Wearing Fashion Show fundraiser for SANE, Inc. and I'm asking friends and family to support me. It's an amazing organization and all proceeds benefit SANE, Inc. Everybody please check out my campaign! Find out more and donate here: https://igfn.us/vf/Models24

11/03/2024

$2,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Location and Arrest of Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols in the Killing of 3-year-old in Hallmark Shooting. More from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department here:

$2,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Location and Arrest of Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols in the Killing of 3-year-old in Hallmark Shooting

Full Press Release:
https://accgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/98017/Press-Release-2024-03080197-Update

ACCPD Investigating Fatal Shooting – UPDATE -
With the assistance of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI, at 6:37 PM on March 8th, 2024, ACCPD took Julian Cubillos, 17, Lawrenceville GA, into custody. Cubillos was later charged with two counts of Murder (Malice and Felony Murder), four counts of Aggravated Assault, and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, in connection with this incident.

After further investigation, ACCPD obtained warrants for Jayden Brown, 16, Athens, and Dakious Echols, 18, Athens. Both are charged with two counts of Murder (Malice and Felony Murder), four counts of Aggravated Assault, and violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, in connection with this incident.

“I am sickened by this heinous crime, and my heart aches for the grieving family, friends, and loved ones who are suffering such a tragic loss,” said ACCPD Chief of Police Jerry Saulters. “The Athens-Clarke County Police Department will dedicate our full strength and resources to bring the killers to justice.”

The investigation is active and ongoing. ACCPD is asking the public and in particular, friends or individuals that know the subjects’ location, to contact Detective Johnson at 762-400-7060 or via email at paul.johnson@accgovcom.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $2,000 reward for information leading to the location and arrest of Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols. Anonymous tips can be made by calling the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 706-705-4775.

The original press release stated an adult was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. As an update, the adult was not injured by gunfire.

11/03/2024

🚨 SE OFRECE $10,000 DE RECOMPENSA*🚨

**Por favor, de un “like”, comente y comparta esta publicación** para ayudarnos a encontrar a César Raudales Macías. Se busca en relación de la muerte, que paso en el año 2023, de la estudiante Beth Elaine Buchanan de la Universidad de Georgia. Es un fugitivo con antecedentes de conducta criminal relacionada con el alcohol y que huye de las autoridades.**

▪️CÉSAR RAUDALES MACÍAS▪️
-26 años (nacio en 1997)
-Hombre Hispano
-5 pies, 8 pulgadas de altura
-Pesa 165 libras

-Él fue visto por última vez en el condado de Athens, Georgia.

🚨 ¿HA VISTO A CESAR O SABE DÓNDE ESTÁ? 🚨

Comuníquese con las autoridades inmediatamente. Usted debera mantenerce anónimo::

-Llame a Crime Stoppers de Atlanta al: (404) 577 – 8477
-Escriba en línea al: stopcrimeatl.org
-Envíe un mensaje, con la información, en forma de texto a: CRIMES (274637)
con la palabra "CSA".
-Llame a la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Barrow al: (770) 307-3080

▪️ DETALLES (del delito): El 13 de Febrero de 2023, César Raudales Macías chocó con el vehículo de Beth Elaine Buchanan mientras conducía en dirección contraria a velocidades de más de 80 millas por hora. La prueba de sangre de el, tenia un contenido de alcohol de .24. Esto es tres veces el límite legal. Macías es buscado por varios cargos que incluyen homicidio en vehículo, lesiones graves en vehículo, conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol, conducir en el lado equivocado de la carretera e infracciones del uso del cinturón de seguridad. Cuando las autoridades de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Barrow fueron para arrestar a César Raudales Macías, ya había huido.

▪️Las autoridades creen que César Raduales Macías podría estar en cualquier lugar de los Estados Unidos o México. Por favor den un “like”, comenten, y compartan esta publicación para ayudarnos a llegar a toda la comunidad mientras buscamos justicia para la estudiante Beth Elaine Buchanon.

Para obtener más información sobre la vida de Beth Buchanan y esta tragedia que pudo ser evitable, escuche la cobertura especial del caso en: Classic City Crime Podcast http://www.classiccitycrime.com/justiceforbeth

**Crime Stoppers es un programa de la Fundación de la Policía de Atlanta. Para recibir la recompensa de hasta $10,000, la denuncia debe pasar por Crime Stoppers y usted debe permanecer anonimo. La información que usted de, también tiene que resultar en un arresto y condena.**

A podcast about the crimes in Athens, Georgia- home to the University of Georgia, REM, and the B52s,

09/03/2024

From 11Alive: 'My sweet little baby': Mom says her 3-year-old son was watching a movie on the couch when he was shot and killed from the street in Athens.”

Read more at the link below—>

This is a developing story.

07/03/2024

The overall crime rate in Athens was down 2% in 2023, but we saw an 11% increase in DUI arrests. More below from WGAU Radio

05/03/2024

🚨$10,000 REWARD OFFERED*🚨

**Please Like, Comment, and Share this Post** to help us find Cesar Raudales Macias, wanted in connection with the 2023 death of University of Georgia Student Beth Elaine Buchanan. He is a fugitive with a history of alcohol-related criminal behavior who is on the run from authorities.

▪️ WANTED: CESAR RAUDALES MACIAS ▪️
-26 Years Old (YOB 1997)
-Hispanic Male
-5ft 8in Tall
-Weighing 165 lbs
-Last seen in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia

🚨 HAVE YOU SEEN CESAR OR DO YOU KNOW WHERE HE IS? 🚨
Please contact authorities immediately- You may remain anonymous::
-Call Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta: (404) 577 - 8477
-Contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta online at stopcrimeatl.org
-Text the word “CSA” and the tip to CRIMES (274637)
-Call The Barrow County Sheriff's Office at (770) 307-3080

▪️ DETAILS: On February 13, 2023, Cesar Raudales Macias collided with the vehicle of Beth Elaine Buchanan while driving into oncoming traffic at speeds of over 80MPH and with a blood alcohol content of .24, three times the legal limit. Macias is wanted on a variety of charges including homicide by vehicle, serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence, driving the wrong side of the road, and seatbelt violations. When Barrow County Sheriff's Office authorities went to arrest Cesar Raudales Macias, he had fled.

▪️ Authorities believe Cesar Raduales Macias could anywhere in the United States or Mexico. Please comment, like, and share this post to help us reach the masses as we try to seek .

To learn more about Beth Buchanan's life and the preventable tragedy that led to her death, please listen to Classic City Crime Podcast's special coverage of the case at http://www.classiccitycrime.com/justiceforbeth

**Crime Stoppers is a Program of the Atlanta Police Foundation in order to receive a reward of up to $10,000 the tip must go through Crime Stoppers and you must remain anonymous. The tip must also lead to an arrest and conviction.**

04/03/2024

🚨NEW EPISODE ALERT: Justice for Beth, Part 3🚨

We continue our pursuit for this week with an episode filled with twists, turns, and a call to action for our listeners.

In Part 3, you'll learn the startling truth about Beth's case: The man responsible for her death, Cesar Raudales Macias, is a fugitive on the run. How did this happen? Where did things go wrong that led to him being able to evade authorities? And, most importantly, how did this news affect the Buchanan family?

There's a lot to digest, so be sure to pick your platform and listen to the latest episode here: https://linktr.ee/classiccitycrime

-

WANTED: Cesar Raudales Macias
REWARD: $10,000 (for information leading to an arrest)
-Cesar Raudales Macias is wanted in connection with the death of Beth Elaine Buchanan. On the early morning hours of February 13, 2023 near Athens, Georgia, Cesar Raudales Macias struck Beth's car at over 80MPH and with a blood alcohol content of .24, three times the legal limit. He was last seen in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia
-Cesar Raudales Macias is described by law enforcement as a hispanic male, 5ft 8in tall, black hair, green eyes, and a weight of around 165 pounds.

***Anyone with information can call in to the anonymous Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta tip line at 404-577-8477, online at stopcrimeatl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES, thats texting CSA to 274637.***