A former reality TV star, Tamika Chesser, 34, has been charged with murder after her partner, Julian Story, 39, was found dismembered in their apartment in Port Lincoln, South Australia, on June 19.
The victim’s head remains missing, and authorities are actively searching for it, as part of an ongoing investigation that has captivated the public.
The Shocking Discovery
Police were initially called to the apartment after reports of a small fire. Upon arrival, they were confronted with a grisly scene: Julian Story’s body had been dismembered, and his head was missing. The police report detailed that Story’s remains were severely burned and disfigured, making the discovery even more disturbing for officers and emergency responders.
Authorities believe that Story was murdered on the night of Tuesday, June 17, and his dismemberment occurred shortly thereafter. Despite extensive searches, the police have been unable to locate his head, which is now a crucial part of the investigation.
Chesser’s Actions and the Witness Statement
A witness who had seen smoke coming from the apartment on the day of the discovery said they saw Chesser near the apartment and asked her what she was doing. She allegedly responded, “nothing,” before taking her dogs for a walk and locking the door behind her.
Concerned that the fire could spread, the witness attempted to extinguish a small smoldering fire with a bucket of water and later alerted authorities.
When police arrived at the scene, Chesser was found in the rear yard, seated in a catatonic, unresponsive state, suggesting that she was emotionally affected or in shock.
Investigation and Public Appeal for Help
Authorities are working diligently to piece together Chesser’s movements in the hours leading up to the murder. CCTV footage has been released to the public to assist in locating Chesser’s whereabouts, as investigators continue to track her actions the night of the killing.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke mentioned that Chesser does not usually use a vehicle, which may help narrow down the search. Police have also requested that the public review their home security footage to help piece together her timeline.
Although no clear motive has been established, police have stated that the relationship between Chesser and Story is being closely examined. Fielke said the investigation will explore the domestic nature of their relationship to determine if there were any underlying issues that could have led to the crime.
Chesser’s Background and Court Appearance
Tamika Chesser rose to some fame in 2010 when she appeared on the Australian version of Beauty and the Geek, a reality TV series in which attractive women are paired with intelligent men to compete in various challenges.
Chesser was a runner-up on the show and also worked as a model, appearing in magazines such as Playboy, Ralph, and FHM.
On June 27, Chesser appeared in court via remote video from a mental health facility, where she is currently being held. The judge denied her bail, and she is scheduled to appear in court again in December.
The Search for Story’s Head and Family’s Response
Detective Fielke emphasized the importance of finding Story’s head for the sake of his grieving family. “Recovering Julian’s head to return it to his family so they can have a peaceful outcome, have a funeral, and lay him to rest, is a really important aspect for us,” he said.
In a heartfelt statement, Story’s family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time. “We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos,” they shared.
“We are also deeply grateful to our family and friends and this extraordinary community whose kindness and support have helped carry us through.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, police are focusing on locating the missing body part, which remains crucial to the case. They are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. The hotline is available 24/7, toll-free, and confidential in more than 170 languages.
