Family of Tamika Chesser speak after alleged murder of boyfriend
A desperate search for the dismembered head of a man allegedly murdered by his former reality TV star lover continues 11 days since police made the grim discovery of his body.
South Australian police allege Tamika Chesser, 34, killed her partner Julian Story at their Port Lincoln Home earlier this month.
Ms Chesser, a runner up of television series Beauty and the Geek, has been charged with murder, destroying remains and assaulting a police officer.
Family of Ms Chesser told 9News they had held concerns over her mental health in recent times, with her sister claiming she'd suffered a 'life of trauma and abuse'.
'It's my sister but that's not who she is or the Tamika we know – that's not the Tamika anyone knows,' her sister said.
'It just started getting worse, you know, and she started being in and out of mental health.
'She didn't mention anything and she just told everyone that she loves them.
'It is very sad and I'm really sorry to Julian's family.'
Footage has emerged of Ms Chesser at local businesses and beaches in the Port Lincoln area, on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.
The headless body of Mr Story, 39, were found on June 19 after allegedly being set alight in the Flinders Highway unit he shared with Ms Chesser.
CCTV footage published by 9New s on Sunday night appeared to show the former TV contestant walking from a local petrol station.
Police claim that footage was filmed roughly three hours before Mr Julian's charred bod was found.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, head of the Major Crimes Squad, issued an appeal for witnesses who may have seen Ms Chesser around the time of the alleged murder.
'All murders cause pain and grief for victims' families and friends. The circumstances of this murder are particularly harrowing, confronting and distressing,' he said.
'Major Crime detectives have spoken with Julian's family who are devastated by his loss and also by the circumstances surrounding his death.
'We are releasing the details of this horrific crime because it is vital for Julian's family to peacefully lay him to rest.
'We know that Tamika did not drive a vehicle and regularly walked around the township of Port Lincoln.
'We are appealing to anyone who can help us to identify Tamika's movements to please contact police.'
Police had earlier released CCTV of Ms Chesser walking near her home in all black accompanied by three dogs.
On Saturday, Port Lincoln mayor Diana Mislov spoke on behalf of Mr Story's family today as search efforts continued.
'I know he loved his family deeply,' Ms Mislov said.
'I just want the community and for everyone to understand that he was a human being who didn't deserve this and was much loved, very much loved.'
Ms Chesser is currently being held in mental health custody and is due to appear in court again in December.
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