GA v Edrick Faust - Tara Baker Trial - FULL Day 2 CONDENSED

Day 2 of the State of Georgia v. #EdrickFaust trial regarding the death of #TaraBaker, the main points summarized as follows: Dr. Andrew Falzon (Medical Examiner) Direct Examination (State) • Cause of Death: Ligature strangulation and a stab wound to the neck. • Stab Wound: Located on the lower right neck, severing the jugular vein. Trajectory (downward, left) suggests the attacker stood behind the victim. • Strangulation: A ligature mark completely encircled the neck; the hyoid bone was fractured on both sides, indicating significant force. • Sexual Assault: Blunt force injuries to the vaginal and anal regions were consistent with forcible sexual intercourse. • Fire Status: Soot in the airway and carbon monoxide in the blood indicated Baker was alive when the fire started. Cross-Examination (Defense) • Labeling Errors: Dr. Falzon admitted technicians label swabs without double-checks. The Defense highlighted that swabs labeled "oral" for over 20 years are now being characterized as vaginal. • Attack Mechanics: Falzon conceded that a face-to-face attack by a left-handed person could produce the same stab wound trajectory. Katie Lahnstein (Friend/Witness) • Timeline: Last saw Baker at the law library on Jan 18; last spoke to her by phone around 9:45 PM. • Relationship: Described Baker’s relationship with boyfriend Chris as happy and positive. Athena Gray (911 Communications) • The Call: The fire at 160 Fawn Drive was reported on Jan 19, 2001, at 11:22 AM. Lieutenant David Leedahl (Crime Scene Investigator) Direct Examination (State) • Scene: Baker was found nude with a printer cable around her neck and a knife nearby. • Entry: A bent kitchen window screen suggested forced entry/exit. • Cleanup: "Wipe marks" on the door and windowsill suggested an attempt to clean surfaces. • No Theft: Valuables (computers, jewelry) were left undisturbed, ruling out burglary. Cross-Examination (Defense) • Missing Evidence: The Defense asked Liedahl to open three sealed envelopes supposed to contain hair samples from Baker’s torso, buttocks, and hand. All three envelopes were empty in court. • Wipe Marks: Liedahl admitted he could not determine if the "wipe marks" occurred before or after the murder. Brian Grove (Fire Expert) • Fire Dynamics: Began testifying on the physics of fire (fuel, oxygen, heat) before court adjourned. Key Legal Rulings (Jury Out) • Motion to Suppress: The Defense moved to suppress evidence regarding the mislabeled swabs and missing hair. The Judge denied the motion, ruling these issues go to the weight of the evidence (credibility), not admissibility. • Rule 412: The Judge admonished the Defense for previously circumventing rulings regarding the introduction of alternative suspect theories without proper written motions. 00:00:00 - GA v Edrick Faust - Tara Baker Trial Day 2 00:02:32 - Dr. Andew Falzon Medical Examiner - DIRECT Exam - Kris with a K Bolden 01:03:30 - Dr. Andew Falzon Medical Examiner - CROSS Examination - Ahmad Crews 01:16:31 - Katherine Lahnstein - Law School Friend of Tara Baker (DIRECT only) 01:48:49 - Athena Gray - 911 Dispatcher 01:57:18 - Lieutenant David Leedahl (Crime Scene Investigator) - DIRECT 02:58:45 - Lieutenant David Leedahl (Crime Scene Investigator) - CROSS 03:22:45 - Brian Grove - Fire Protection Engineer ATF Other courtCHOPT Playlists: Kevin Spacey Trial:    • Kevin Spacey Trial - Alan Jackson Defense ...   CA v Phil Spector:    • Prosecutor Alan Jackson - Phil Spector Tri...   MA v Aidan Kearney:    • Gaetani v Aidan Kearney - Turtleboy Civil ...   MA v Brian Walshe:    • Finding Ana Walshe   CT v Raul Valle:    • Jury DIDN'T SEE This - Video Answer to the...   UT v Kouri Richins:    • Kouri Richins Trial - Lead Investigator O'...   FL v Donna Adelson:    • Donna Adelson Trial - Day 4 - FULL day CON...