5/10/04
	To all of Tara's family and friends,
	   I remember Tara as a lovely young lady (inside and out) with great energy, intelligence, and zest
	for learning. She was a student in my English class at Lovejoy High School and was a delight to
	teach, always polite and thoughtful. She was in the graduating class with my son, David Winkler, and
	they both went on the Close-Up trip to Washington, D.C. I remember thinking what a wonderful
	ambassador she would make for our country--bright, beautiful, and brainy! I cannot tell you how very
	sorry I am that we all lost her; the awful circumstances of her death make the loss even harder to
	bear. Please know that you are all in my prayers. To Adam, whom I also taught, I pray that you will
	continue to be successful--as I always knew you could be. May God bless you all.
	Mary Ann Winkler
	Media Specialist
	Lovejoy High School

	5/10/04
	My only question is has her story run on America’s Most Wanted and Georgia’s Most Wanted? wr

	5/10/04
	Mrs. Baker,
	I have wanted for so long to express how I felt about Tara. George and I were looking foward to
	having her become a part of our family. We already felt it in our heart. Not a day goes by that I do
	not think of her. We keep her picture in our living room, where we can see her everyday. She was so
	special to us. The grief still goes on. I pray for your family. Please, if there is anything we can
	do to assist in your efforts, please do call on us. We will do what we can. She was the strength
	that kept Chris going. I did not realize how much until she was gone. He will never love anyone
	again as he loved her. Please keep your faith strong and know she made an impression on so many
	lives. I hope this e-mail finds it way to you. WE MISS HER!
	God Bless,
	Teri Melton

	5/10/04
	Good Morning:
	I heard about this website for Tara on the news this morning and just felt compelled
	to send an email. Please remember to continue to trust in God, and stay focused on
	Him. HE is our justice and and justice WILL PREVAIL! I will be praying for you and
	your family, as well as Tara.
	May God continue to bless you.
	In His Love,
	DeLisa Brown & Family

	5/10/04
	Hi,
	My name is Mary Massey Treadwell. My mother Jane Massey and Tara's grandfather, Bob Baker were
	cousins. I have been following Tara's story and I wish you much success in obtaining justice.
	Mary Massey Treadwell
	Conyers, GA

	5/10/04
	Hi my name is Rictoria and I was watching the news this evening and heard about the terrible lost of
	someone who I basically didn't even know...but I was drawn to this website....I really don't know
	what to say I just want to extend my thoughts and prays to the family and friends of Tara Baker....
	I pray that one day she'll have peace...
	Sincerely, Rictoria

	5/9/04
	Hi, I am very sorry for your loss. Watching the news tonight on 11Alive they gave out your web site
	and I visited and looked at the pictures of Tara and read the story. Tara was very beautiful and the
	world has suffered a great loss of someone with such potential and promise. I hope the person
	responsible is brought to justice soon and I will pray for that closure for your family. I think it
	is a wonderful tribute for you to develop this site.
	Selena Wimberly, Marietta, GA 

	5/9/04
	To the Baker and Patrie Families:
	I want to first of all tell you that my name is Vanessa Smith. I live in Edison, New Jersey. I have
	a son who is now serving in Iraq. I miss him dearly, and I pray for his safe return each and every
	day. You know I have comfort in my heart, because I know GOD is able. The Lord took him there
	safely, and he will bring him back safely. I have a son who just returned from Iraq in March. That
	is how I know first hand that GOD is able. I understand and truly feel your pain. I know what it is
	like to have someone you love be treated so badly, and taken away. I had to watch my Mother suffer
	from Parkinson's, she was also Diabetic, and she was doing dialysis three times a week. I lost my
	Father a few years before that to Cancer. I know it does not compare to your loved one being taken
	away by such an evil person. I know that Satan is busy, but I am here to tell you that GOD is able,
	and he will bring her killer to justice. I know I never met Tara, but just reading all the letters
	and comments on the website, I know she was a very special young lady, and truly a beautiful angel.

	Please continue praying your prayers, be strong for Tara, and know that GOD will have the last word.
	If the this person or persons think(s) for one minute they have gotten away with this, they are
	sadly mistaken. GOD will take care of him/them in his own time. He is going to let them hang out
	there just a little while longer, and He will definitely give the Detectives what they need to bring
	them to justice.

	Don't you worry and never fear because Tara will always be near. GOD will keep her in your hearts,
	and minds all the days of your life. Know that GOD will never leave you and he will never forsake
	you. Trust in Him for all things, and know that he will take care of the person or persons who
	committed this evil deed. Also, know that if you don't see this person brought to justice before
	your very eyes, he will be brought to justice in front of the maker himself. That will be the most
	awful punishment he will ever face. His body will never have peace on earth, and his soul will never
	have peace in heaven.

	Please continue to pray on, press on, and be of good courage. The Lord has heard your cry, and He
	will comfort you during this trying time. Please continue to trust in him, and let Him be your
	guide.

	Your Sister In Christ,
	Mrs. Vanessa V. & Mr. Joseph E. Smith
	Edison, New Jersey

	5/9/04
	I remember Tara well; I am a Deputy Sheriff with our local Sheriffs office in Athens. Tara would
	come to the courthouse and view trials that were going on. Being I was the one people would see
	before entering the courtroom, I was always who she had the most contact with. She would always
	greet me with that big smile, ask me if she could enter and on breaks would talk with me about
	the trial, and what she had missed.

	When this first happened, I didn't really make the connection that it was her, I knew Her Name, But
	it was just always casual conversation and then back to business. As time went on, I noticed that
	she had stopped coming in. that's when I knew it was her. I couldn't believe that someone so nice
	and kind would be treated so badly. In my profession, I meet alot of people, but only a few stick
	out, and Tara did. I hope someday, I can have the pleasure of standing guard over the person that
	did this. To watch as the judge gives him what he deserves.

	My heart and Prayers go out to the Baker family. Rest assured, as a law enforcement member here in
	Athens, we are still working Very hard to find this person.  A N D    W E     W I L L !!!

	Jeff Walker
	Corporal Clarke County Sheriff's office

	5/9/04
	Dear Sir,
	     I didn't know Tara personally but I think she was a very sweet person from just what I have
	heard. I hope that the person who did this terrible thing to her will soon be brought to justice.
	If there is anything that I can do to help the family please e-mail me.
	Sincerely,
	Blanche Bennett

	5/6/04
	Hi Matt. I work for Tara's parents and I have seen the
	hurt they feel. I lost a child myself and I know the
	pain all too well. But not the same as they do. The
	site you have made in memory of her is wonderful. I
	sat here and cried. I didn't get the chance to know
	her but I know her parents. They are great people. I
	share their pain. I know in my heart one day they will
	find this monster who took a precious young woman from
	her family that loves her so much. You have done a
	wonderful job on this site. Keep up the good work.
	Sherri

	5/2/04
	Hi Matt, This is an excellent website with so much about Tara. We see your Mom and Dad all time and
	she told me about it recently. It is well done and very tasteful. There is a lot of hard work and
	perfection in this. I am sure Tara would feel the same and you would get a big "Thank You" and very
	probably a big hug also.
	A job well done to a hurting family. God give you strength and grace to continue. Maybe the person
	that ended such a beautiful life will be caught and punished and the sooner the better.
	Love
	Jimmy Phillips

	4/30/04
	Matt/The Baker Family,
	I just wanted to write an email to let you know that those who knew Tara,
	and even those who didn't, will always keep a part of Tara close to them. I
	did not know Tara but feel I have come to know her through friends and their
	stories of this extraordinary person. She has touched the lives of many and
	influenced many to become better people through her shining example. While
	I did not know Tara personnally, I have seen the positive effect she
	continues to have on her friends. Through them, I have come to know her,
	and it has helped to strengthen the hope that, while there is much evil in
	the world, there are many who are genuine, loving, selfless, and who possess
	the strength of character to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.
	When Tara's friends think of her, they think of these attributes, and when I
	think of her, it will remind me of the person she was and the person I
	should be.
	Respectfully,
	Tim Bertocci

	4/29/04
	I just received the link to Tara's website from her friend Katherine Lahnstein. I have heard
	so much about Tara and what a wonderful person she was. I cannot begin to comprehend the pain
	your family must be feeling, but I hope that you are able to take some comfort in knowing that
	there are people who care. In your fight for justice for Tara, if there is anything that I
	can do, don't hesitate to ask. I will certainly forward the website to all the people I know to
	assist in your quest to seek justice and raise awareness regarding her senseless death.
	My prayers are with you and your family.
   
	Chad D. Franks
	Staff Attorney
	Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
	Atlanta, Georgia

	4/27/04
	I read your website today...
	Hello, My name is Cheryl Richardson and I am an Athens resident. I read your
	website today about your niece, Tara Baker. I wish to send my deepest sympathy
	to you and the family. I was drawn to the website after viewing the bill
	board on Lexington hwy. I am home bound on oxygen and do not get out much. I have
	a daughter that attends Athens Technical College and I remembered how afraid
	I was when I heard the news about Tara. My sister lived on Meadow Lane near
	Tara at the time. I must tell you my daughter is my only child and I was really
	paranoid about her going anywhere at night even during the day! I was drawn
	to the headlines because I am a former Jonesboro resident and my daughter
	attended Lovejoy High School. We lived in Bonanza subdivision for years. It is off
	Panhandle Rd. We left Clayton County and moved here because of personal and
	financial reasons. She was home schooled for a while but never attended high
	school here. She received her GED from Athens Tech and now attends as a
	surgical technology student. I was shocked and dismayed that nothing was never
	discovered about her murder. I guess it bothers me because I have a daughter
	and I would be insane now if this had happened to me! I have prayed for the
	family that they receive closure in the way God chooses! He works in wonderful
	ways and I truly believe someday we will all know the truth. I read the
	scriptures a lot and I include Tara and her family in my prayers. Thanks for reading
	this and God Bless you.   Cheryl L. Richardson

	4/26/04
	I am the person who wrote a response to your poem for Tara....I visited your
	web site that you have created for Tara, and yet again, it has touched my
	heart...I want nothing more, than to have this killer brought to justice, and I
	have been moved to go to John Walsh's site, for AMW. I have put the link in
	this email, and I know that this is an option that you can use, to bring more
	attention to Tara's case....Please go here, and plead your case!! With all of us
	praying for you, surely God will answer OUR prayers!
	Sincerely,
	Diane

	4/23/04
	Has your FBI been contacted? Surely something can be done. The Beauty of You moved me to tears.
	And that Letter to the Killer was great. I hope the killer knows how much suffering he has caused!
	Craig F. Miller
	United Kingdom

	4/23/04
	To Tara's Family,
	I just wanted to say I grieve with you over your loss. I hope something happens
	with Tara's case. Have you considered Dateline NBC? They cover cases like this one
	a lot. There must be a way to bring this situation to conclusion, for better or
	worse. You have my prayers.
	Mark
	Athens Ga

	4/22/04
	What a lovely woman we have all lost to this horrible crime. My sympathy goes out
	to you and your family. Tara was an asset to the world. I wish I could help. The
	website is lovely and will honor her memory. Her life was a good one - be happy
	that your family was so successful with her. Be happy that you got to have her
	in your lives for 24 years. I am so sad that we had to lose her. God bless.
	Angie B.
	Athens, GA

	4/19/04
	Thank you for setting up this web site. I met Tara's mom, Virginia Baker at the Ocmulgee
	Mounds Indian Festival last fall. I have been in communication with Safe Campuses Now
	on the UGA campus and many others about this case. This is my message - visualize
	national attention to this unresolved campus-related murder that it might bring attention to
	all unresolved campus murders. Your site is part of that national visualization process. I
	will speak at the Athen's Human Rights Festival on May 2nd around 4 p.m. I will remind
	the Athens community that Tara is a descendant and that the Native People are watching
	how her case is handled. 
 
	We haven't forgotten Tara and we haven't forgotten the need to remind the public about the
	reward. Money may make someone talk eventually. That is our prayer since the
	investigation seems to be stalemated.
 
	Please know that many have been asked to remember your family and to visualize
	national attention over the past few months. Keep your faith. Anything is possible. That
	is what I've learned and believe and hope will encourage you as you support the family.

	Carmen Shuler
	Board Member
	Native American Cultural Society

	4/17/04
	My sister Erin Oppenheimer died (feb. 9,1997) in Athens, Georgia while in her junior
	year of college. The death certificate states suicide, but we have conflicting opinions
	surrounding her case from various trained professionals (outside of Georgia) so we cannot
	accept suicide as the cause of death.
 
	We still do not know what really happened to my sister, unfortunately the Athens police
	wanted to put a rush on her cause of death and close the case. I know how much frustration
	her parents and family are feeling and if we can offer any advice or share any information
	we may have uncovered about Athens and various people while trying to solve my sister's death,
	please call or write. 
 
	Again, my sympathy goes out to you and Tara's family. 
 
	Sincerely,
	Gina Oppenheimer

	4/16/04
	Matthew,
	You made Tara a real person to me, even though I didn't know her I feel like I do now and I hurt
	for what happened to her. She was so young, so beautiful with such a bright future it makes her
	death even harder to face. I feel for you and her family and will keep you in my prayers.
	I have a beautiful 13 year old grand daughter and it would break our hearts to lose her. She was
	the apple of my husband's eye, he died in 2000 so we know how it is to grieve even though his
	death was natural. God bless each and every one of you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
	Betty

	4/15/04
	Re: Your Voice
	This is a beautiful poem!!  Your niece was truly blessed to have you as an uncle,
	and she as your niece!!  What's done in the dark, will come to light!!  God knows
	those that break His Commandments...They will be caught!  Keep the faith!
	A. Ward
	P.S.  Your page is BEAUTIFULLY presented too!!  I'll keep you and the family in my heart!

	4/15/04
	What a wonderful tribute to Tara...a beautiful web site for a beautiful girl and
	I'll be crying for her, for all of you for quite some time...You're all in my prayers
	and I hope they catch whoever did this horrible crime soon. God bless.
	Betty

	4/12/04
	One day, Matt, I know that this case will be solved and your family will find peace
	at last. Your family is always in our thoughts and prayers.  Your courage and
	perseverance are an inspiration to all.  Never give up and justice WILL be served.
	Tara sees everything you are doing for her.
	Love as always,
	Mary Etta and Bobby

	4/8/04
	I just wanted to drop you a note about Tara's site. She was such a beautiful, intelligent,
	and most of all driven young woman (a rarity nowadays), that it makes it that much
	more of a horror what happened to her. Not only is her loss a tragedy for your family, but
	for all of us. I regret that I never got to meet her in person, only through pictures and
	stories you shared with me over the years. Her website pulls at my heart strings and
	enrages me that no justice has ever been served! I pray that the site may stir things up and
	possibly help to bring some closure for your family. If there is anything I can do,
	please let me know.
	Sincerely,
	Lonnie Sollsberger

	4/6/04
	Matthew,
	I still can't believe that you did this!! This site is such a wonderful
	thing for us, the family, and the general public. Once I heard about it from
	Kevin, I had to check it out. I was a little hesitant, but I did it for
	Tara. We owe her so much that we will never be able to give her, however,
	this is a start. Earlier this week, two officers of public safety came to my
	door. They wanted to give me their card and to let me know that they knew
	Tara and are still in disbelief. They use her case to teach their self
	defense class. It helps their students understand that it can happen to
	anyone. I think that its wonderful how so many people are trying to keep her
	memory alive. What a tribute to her, let's keep it up! Love you very much.
	-Meredith

	3/29/04
	Sir-
	I was stationed with Adam at Little Rock AFB before I was sent to Turkey.
	I have kept in touch with him and I would like to send you my regards and
	thank you for doing this for your family... seeing Adam going through all
	that was really tough and I know this is going make him happy. If there is
	anything I can do or anyway I can help please tell me. Again thank you for
	doing this, it has touched me and I am half way around the world.
	Very Respectfully,
	Sra Joshua J. Fuller
	Incirlik AB, Turkey
	United States Air Forces in Europe

	3/29/04
	Hi Matthew!
	I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful job you did on the web site for Tara.
	I know that she is so proud to have you as an uncle.
	I hope that you are doing well and I miss you!
	Hugs and Kisses
	Melissa

	3/29/04
	That is really good. I have been cautious about going to the website due to
	the emotional effect I knew it would have on me. I finally did today though
	and I must say, I'm totally impressed. That is awesome! I think when I come
	home I'm going to dig up some pictures of the two of us and give those to
	you. Good job.
	SSgt Adam G. Baker

	3/23/04
	What a great display, Matt.  What a great tribute to a beautiful person. 
	                         Love , Daddy