Reality star charged: Search for missing head continues
Police have suspended their search for the head of Julian Story, days after his former partner, Tamika Chesser, was charged with his murder and decapitation.
Ms Chesser, a former reality TV contestant and model, was arrested last week after Mr Story's burned and disfigured remains were found inside a Port Lincoln unit.
Authorities allege she murdered him at their home around midnight on June 17, dismembered his body, and set it on fire two days later.
'The circumstances of this murder are particularly harrowing, confronting and distressing,' Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Tuesday.
'Major Crime detectives have spoken with Julian's family, who are devastated by his loss and also by the circumstances surrounding his death.'
Police confirmed the extensive, multi-agency field search for Mr Story's missing head had been called off on Tuesday afternoon, News.com.au reported.
Officers had combed bushland, ocean and parks around the area for several days but were unable to locate it.
'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,' Superintendent Fielke said last week.
'I can only imagine, and I want you to imagine, the grief this news is causing Julian's family.'
While the physical search has paused, police are still analysing a large volume of CCTV footage in an effort to map Ms Chesser's movements between midnight on June 17 and the afternoon of June 19, when the fire was reported.
Ms Chesser was arrested at the scene, allegedly in a catatonic and unresponsive state.
According to court documents, a neighbour, Jordan Ware, observed smoke coming from the unit and asked Ms Chesser what she was doing.
'The accused said 'nothing' and then took her dogs for a walk and locked the front door,' the documents state.
Mr Ware entered through the back door and found smouldering debris in the bathroom. After dousing it with water, another neighbour called emergency services. Inside, police discovered Mr Story's body.
Ms Chesser has since been transferred to James Nash House, a secure psychiatric facility. In addition to murder, she faces charges of destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, and assaulting an emergency worker — an alleged incident that occurred the day after her arrest.
That hearing is set for July 31, while her murder case is due back in court in December.
Speaking to reporters, Superintendent Fielke said: 'We are releasing the details of this horrific crime because it is vital for Julian's family to peacefully lay him to rest.'
Locals have described Ms Chesser as a reserved but recognisable figure in the Port Lincoln community.
'Tamika was a regular customer, regular in the sense she used to come once or twice a week,' said Ampol service station operator Harry Singh.
'She always used to buy Hungry Jack's from there (next door) and drinks from us. She was a very reserved woman.'
He added that Mr Story had previously shoplifted from the store.
Ms Chesser first came to public attention as a runner-up on the 2010 season of Beauty and the Geek. She later appeared in men's magazines including Ralph and FHM, and had a presence on adult content platform OnlyFans.
Her social media accounts mix glamour shots with spiritual reflections, including one post from June 2024 where she asked: 'What do you see behind the makeup, behind the false lashes … Is the flesh you reside in of relevance?'
Police maintain the killing was not random and continue to appeal for information from the public.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 / If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
19 hours ago
- Perth Now
Reality star charged: Search for missing head continues
WARNING: Distressing content Police have suspended their search for the head of Julian Story, days after his former partner, Tamika Chesser, was charged with his murder and decapitation. Ms Chesser, a former reality TV contestant and model, was arrested last week after Mr Story's burned and disfigured remains were found inside a Port Lincoln unit. Authorities allege she murdered him at their home around midnight on June 17, dismembered his body, and set it on fire two days later. 'The circumstances of this murder are particularly harrowing, confronting and distressing,' Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Tuesday. 'Major Crime detectives have spoken with Julian's family, who are devastated by his loss and also by the circumstances surrounding his death.' Police confirmed the extensive, multi-agency field search for Mr Story's missing head had been called off on Tuesday afternoon, reported. Officers had combed bushland, ocean and parks around the area for several days but were unable to locate it. '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,' Superintendent Fielke said last week. 'I can only imagine, and I want you to imagine, the grief this news is causing Julian's family.' While the physical search has paused, police are still analysing a large volume of CCTV footage in an effort to map Ms Chesser's movements between midnight on June 17 and the afternoon of June 19, when the fire was reported. Ms Chesser was arrested at the scene, allegedly in a catatonic and unresponsive state. According to court documents, a neighbour, Jordan Ware, observed smoke coming from the unit and asked Ms Chesser what she was doing. 'The accused said 'nothing' and then took her dogs for a walk and locked the front door,' the documents state. Mr Ware entered through the back door and found smouldering debris in the bathroom. After dousing it with water, another neighbour called emergency services. Inside, police discovered Mr Story's body. Ms Chesser has since been transferred to James Nash House, a secure psychiatric facility. In addition to murder, she faces charges of destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, and assaulting an emergency worker — an alleged incident that occurred the day after her arrest. That hearing is set for July 31, while her murder case is due back in court in December. Speaking to reporters, Superintendent Fielke said: 'We are releasing the details of this horrific crime because it is vital for Julian's family to peacefully lay him to rest.' Locals have described Ms Chesser as a reserved but recognisable figure in the Port Lincoln community. 'Tamika was a regular customer, regular in the sense she used to come once or twice a week,' said Ampol service station operator Harry Singh. 'She always used to buy Hungry Jack's from there (next door) and drinks from us. She was a very reserved woman.' He added that Mr Story had previously shoplifted from the store. Ms Chesser first came to public attention as a runner-up on the 2010 season of Beauty and the Geek. She later appeared in men's magazines including Ralph and FHM, and had a presence on adult content platform OnlyFans. Her social media accounts mix glamour shots with spiritual reflections, including one post from June 2024 where she asked: 'What do you see behind the makeup, behind the false lashes … Is the flesh you reside in of relevance?' Police maintain the killing was not random and continue to appeal for information from the public. Lifeline: 13 11 14 / If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
West Australian
19 hours ago
- West Australian
Burned remains, missing head: Beauty and the Geek reality star, Tamika Chesser charged in chilling murder case
WARNING: Distressing content Police have suspended their search for the head of Julian Story, days after his former partner, Tamika Chesser, was charged with his murder and decapitation. Ms Chesser, a former reality TV contestant and model, was arrested last week after Mr Story's burned and disfigured remains were found inside a Port Lincoln unit. Authorities allege she murdered him at their home around midnight on June 17, dismembered his body, and set it on fire two days later. 'The circumstances of this murder are particularly harrowing, confronting and distressing,' Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Tuesday. 'Major Crime detectives have spoken with Julian's family, who are devastated by his loss and also by the circumstances surrounding his death.' Police confirmed the extensive, multi-agency field search for Mr Story's missing head had been called off on Tuesday afternoon, reported. Officers had combed bushland, ocean and parks around the area for several days but were unable to locate it. '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,' Superintendent Fielke said last week. 'I can only imagine, and I want you to imagine, the grief this news is causing Julian's family.' While the physical search has paused, police are still analysing a large volume of CCTV footage in an effort to map Ms Chesser's movements between midnight on June 17 and the afternoon of June 19, when the fire was reported. Ms Chesser was arrested at the scene, allegedly in a catatonic and unresponsive state. According to court documents, a neighbour, Jordan Ware, observed smoke coming from the unit and asked Ms Chesser what she was doing. 'The accused said 'nothing' and then took her dogs for a walk and locked the front door,' the documents state. Mr Ware entered through the back door and found smouldering debris in the bathroom. After dousing it with water, another neighbour called emergency services. Inside, police discovered Mr Story's body. Ms Chesser has since been transferred to James Nash House, a secure psychiatric facility. In addition to murder, she faces charges of destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, and assaulting an emergency worker — an alleged incident that occurred the day after her arrest. That hearing is set for July 31, while her murder case is due back in court in December. Speaking to reporters, Superintendent Fielke said: 'We are releasing the details of this horrific crime because it is vital for Julian's family to peacefully lay him to rest.' Locals have described Ms Chesser as a reserved but recognisable figure in the Port Lincoln community. 'Tamika was a regular customer, regular in the sense she used to come once or twice a week,' said Ampol service station operator Harry Singh. 'She always used to buy Hungry Jack's from there (next door) and drinks from us. She was a very reserved woman.' He added that Mr Story had previously shoplifted from the store. Ms Chesser first came to public attention as a runner-up on the 2010 season of Beauty and the Geek. She later appeared in men's magazines including Ralph and FHM, and had a presence on adult content platform OnlyFans. Her social media accounts mix glamour shots with spiritual reflections, including one post from June 2024 where she asked: 'What do you see behind the makeup, behind the false lashes … Is the flesh you reside in of relevance?' Police maintain the killing was not random and continue to appeal for information from the public. Lifeline: 13 11 14 / If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Sky News AU
Heartbreaking new detail revealed amid search for beheaded South Australia man allegedly murdered by reality star girlfriend Tamika Chesser
A heartbreaking detail has emerged in the desperate search for the head of a decapitated man in South Australia, as his ex-reality star girlfriend remains at the centre of the tragic killing. Julian Story, 39, was found dismembered at a property on Flinders Highway, Port Lincoln on June 19, after authorities were notified of a small fire. Police confirmed his head had been removed during the dismemberment and they are still attempting to locate it so his family can lay him to rest. It has now also come to light Mr Story celebrated his 39th birthday just a day before he was horrifically killed. Investigators believe the South Australia man was killed about midnight on June 17. His partner, former Beauty and the Geek star Tamika Chesser, 34, has been charged with the crime. Police charged the ex-reality beauty with murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, and a separate charge of assaulting an emergency worker. Chesser was arrested at the scene at the couple's home, as police now turn to the public for information on her movements in the week of the alleged murder. CCTV footage has been reviewed by police of a woman, alleged to be Chesser, walking three dogs while dressed in a black hooded outfit and carrying a bag, during the time of the alleged murder and attempt at burning Mr Story's body. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke told the media on Friday Chesser "doesn't really use a vehicle" and he hoped people would call in to help with her possible movements. He further added it is "crucial" for police to locate Mr Story's head. "I can only imagine the grief this is causing Julian's family. "Julian's family are devastated. "Tamika Chesser remains in custody charged with murder, and that this was not a random incident." On Monday, Chesser's sister told 9News she had been concerned about her sibling's mental health in recent months. 'It just started getting worse,' she told the outlet. 'She started being in and out of mental health. She didn't mention anything and she just told everyone that she loves them. 'It's my sister, but that's not who she is or the Tamika we know. 'That's not the Tamika anyone knows.' Police have allege 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,' according to court documents seen by NewsWire. Chesser sported a shaved head as she appeared in court via a videolink from mental health facility James Nash House, according to Daily Mail Australia. She was refused bail by Magistrate Ben Sale at the hearing, and a committal hearing was scheduled for December. She is currently being held under a mental health detention order. Chesser's sister added her family has not yet made contact with her, as she remains unresponsive. Chesser, who was runner-up on her season of Beauty and the Geek, has also modelled for men's magazines including Playboy, Ralph and FHM. Describing herself as a 'model and actress', Chesser also published explicit content on adult subscription site OnlyFans. Her old social media posts reflect she was interested in Jewish and Hindu mythology. In a post from June 2024, she wrote about her 'spiritual journey'. 'Our Creator our Father and our Mother Nature our Earth are crying out to us all,' she wrote. '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?' Anyone with information that may assist the investigation has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
