‘Very sad': Accused killer's sister speaks

Perth Now

7 hours ago

The sister of former Beauty and the Geek contestant and accused killer Tamika Chesser has spoken for the first time in the aftermath of the horrific alleged slaughter that has shocked the nation.
Police allege Ms Chesser murdered her partner Julian Story at the couple's unit in Port Lincoln on June 17, decapitating the 39-year-old man and later setting fire to his body.
'We know that after his alleged murder, Julian's body was dismembered and while I won't provide any further detail about that at this time, I can tragically say that we have not recovered the head of Julian Story,' Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke told reporters on Friday.
Investigators allege Ms Chesser murdered Mr Story at about midnight on June 17 and set fire to his body on the afternoon of June 19.
The police arrested Ms Chesser, 34, in the yard of the property after neighbours called in emergency services to put out the fire.
Ms Chesser's sister says she had become concerned about her sibling's mental health in recent months.
'It just started getting worse,' she told 9 News.
'She started being in and out of mental health. She didn't mention anything and she just told everyone that she loves them.' Beauty and the Geek reality show runner-up Tamika Chesser has been charged with the murder of her boyfriend Julian Story. Facebook Credit: Supplied Mr Story was a Port Lincoln local. Supplied Credit: Supplied
'It's my sister, but that's not who she is or the Tamika we know,' the sister, speaking softly with a blurred-out face, said.
'That's not the Tamika anyone knows.'
Police allege Ms Chesser was in a 'catatonic' state when she was arrested.
'The accused was seated in a garden chair in the rear yard adjacent to Unit 3 in a catatonic and unresponsive state at this time,' court documents, seen by NewsWire, state.
Ms Chesser appeared at Adelaide court on Friday morning via videolink from James Nash House, a psychiatric facility.
She sported a shaved head and sat quietly throughout proceedings.
Ms Chesser's sister said the family had not yet spoken with the woman.
'We can't have contact with her. She's still unresponsive at the moment,' she said.
'It is very sad and I'm very sorry to Julian's family.'
The police have charged Ms Chesser with murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, and a separate charge of assaulting an emergency worker.
It is alleged Ms Chesser assaulted a police officer following her arrest.
Mr Story's head has still not been found, with police divers scouring waters around the town at the weekend.
Detective Superintendent Fielke asked the public for help in tracking Ms Chesser's movements in the hours after the alleged murder, in the hope any information might help locate Mr Story's head and return it to his family.
'It is crucial that we locate Julian's head so that his family has the opportunity to lay him to rest,' he said.
The police have released CCTV footage that shows Ms Chesser walking around the town in the hours after the alleged slaughter.
She can be seen walking with a bag, dogs, and dressed in heavy clothing.
'I'm appealing to local residents to review CCTV or dashcam footage which they may have, which may assist with the investigation,' Detective Fielke said. Police search for Mr Story's missing remains. Nine News Credit: Channel 9
'Particularly between midnight, Tuesday 17 June, until the afternoon of 19 June.'
In a statement released through the police, Mr Story's family called his passing an 'unimaginable loss'.
'On behalf of our family, we want to sincerely thank the South Australian Police, emergency services, and first responders for their compassion and professionalism during this devastating time,' the statement reads.
'We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos.
'We are also deeply grateful to our family and friends and this extraordinary community whose kindness and support have helped carry us through.
'Your prayers, presence, and quiet strength mean more than words can say.'
Ms Chesser starred in the second series of the hit reality TV show Beauty and the Geek in 2010, finishing in second place.
She has also worked as a model for a range of brands including Target and appeared in men's magazines including Ralph and FHM, a profile for her on Star Now states. The police released CCTV footage of Ms Chesser in the hours after the alleged killing. SA Pol Credit: Supplied Ms Chesser worked as a model. Picture Supplied Credit: Supplied
Her Instagram and Facebook social media profiles are filled with racy and glamorous images.
She has also posted a series of images that appear to reflect Jewish and Hindu mythology.
In a post from June 2024, she writes at length about her 'spiritual journey'.
'Our Creator our Father and our Mother Nature our Earth are crying out to us all,' she writes.
'What do you think your ancestors would say in regards to the life you're currently living? Would they be proud?
'What do you see behind the makeup, behind the false lashes behind the hair cut or perfectly groomed beard … behind the Botox … Is the flesh you reside in of relevance? Does it make you the person you are?'
Ms Chesser has been refused bail and will next appear in court in December.
Port Lincoln is a major fishing town located in the state's Eyre Peninsula, west of Adelaide.