SOLVED.
In May of 2024, an arrest was made after 23 years in the case of Tara Louise Baker, whose life we detailed in Season 1 of the podcast. Our hearts are forever grateful for the community we built to support Tara’s family, for the GBI and Chief Saulters for their work in renewing the investigation, and for all who worked with us to pass the Coleman-Baker Act. You can read Cameron Jay’s full statement here.
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 Science in Criminology from the University of West Georgia in May of 2024. In 2023, with the Baker family, Athens-area legislators, the Coleman Family, and Scot Turner of Eternal Vigilance Action, Cameron worked to write and pass the Coleman-Baker Act, which established and funded the cold case unit at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
After 23 years, an arrest was made in Tara Baker’s case under the provisions of The Coleman-Baker Act, the first to be solved by the newly formed cold case unit.
Tara Baker’s life and the investigation into her violent murder were the subject of Season 1 of Classic City Crime.
The Journey Thus Far…
SEASON 1:
The Tara Baker Story
Tara Louise Baker was bold, bright, and beautiful. After receiving 2 undergraduate degrees, she came to Athens to attend the UGA School of Law, where she was in her second semester. On January 19, 2001- just one day before her 24th birthday, Tara was killed in her east-Athens home a fire set ablaze to conceal evidence.
Who Killed Tara? We examine the police theories through the years piece by piece in this 25 episode journey for the truth.
Note: As of May of 2024, an arrest was made in Tara Baker’s case. Those listening for the first time should listen understanding this fact, and should also note that the podcast was produced in real time over the course of two years.
Mini-Series 1:
The 1977 Murder of T.K. Harty
This 7-Part Podcast Series takes a deep dive into the 1977 murder of T.K. Harty by business rival John Mooney. Mooney hired oven repairman Elmo Florence to kill Harty in his Cleveland road home. The reasons why will shock you.
They range from a war over draft beer pricing and who had the right to sell it, and the bad business practice of physically stealing business.
All is fair and good, until your business rival becomes your leaseholder…..
Mini-Series 2:
The Athens Murders of 1987
In this 7-Part Podcast Series, host Cameron Jay and listeners take a journey back to Athens, Georgia 1987 where 5 locals were brutally murdered between April and August.
Perhaps just as startling as the crimes themselves were the person police arrested, charged, and sentenced in the crimes: 15-turned-16-year old Clinton Bankston.
Join us as we remember the victims, discover what really happened in both homes, and discuss what we might learn from the tragedy.
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Introducing Classic City Crime with Cameron Jay.
A new crime podcast sure to take you through the twists and tales of crime in Athens, Georgia. Home to the state's University and a town with a lively music scene, there's a lot to uncover when it comes to crime in the Classic City.
