A former contestant from Beauty and the Geek Australia, Tamika Chesser, has been charged with the murder of her partner, Julian Story, after his dismembered body was discovered in their apartment.
Police are still actively searching for his head, which was removed during the gruesome crime. This shocking event has left the local community in South Australia deeply shaken.
The Discovery and Investigation
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, police responded to a call about a small fire at an apartment in Port Lincoln, South Australia. When they arrived at the scene, they found a horrifying scene: 39-year-old Julian Story’s body was severely dismembered, and his head was missing. Authorities believe Story was killed around midnight on Tuesday, June 17.
The body was also found to be badly burnt and disfigured. Police documents reveal that a witness noticed smoke coming from the apartment and saw Tamika Chesser leaving with her dogs.
The witness, concerned about the potential spread of the fire, went inside the apartment and found smoldering clothing and debris in the bathroom, which he doused with water.
When police arrived, Chesser was found sitting in a garden chair, in a catatonic and unresponsive state. Authorities have released CCTV footage of Chesser to the public to help trace her movements on the night of the crime.
The Charges and Court Appearance
Tamika Chesser, 34, has been charged with murder in connection with Julian Story’s death. On June 27, she appeared in court via video link from a mental health facility where she is being held under a detention order. She was denied bail and is due for a court appearance again in December.
Chesser was a contestant on Beauty and the Geek Australia in 2010, where she was a runner-up. She also worked as a model and appeared in magazines such as Playboy, Ralph, and FHM. Her involvement in the crime has shocked fans of the reality show and left many questioning the details of her relationship with Story.
The Search for Story’s Head
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke emphasized the importance of locating Julian Story’s head, not just for the investigation but to give his family the opportunity to properly mourn his loss and hold a funeral. Authorities have conducted extensive searches but have yet to find the missing body part.
Fielke also mentioned that no clear motive for the murder has been established yet, though investigators are focusing on Chesser and Story’s domestic relationship. He noted that Chesser did not seem to be using a vehicle and that they are asking the public to help track her movements using home security footage.
The Victim’s Family Reacts
Julian Story’s family has expressed their heartbreak over his untimely death, stating that they are struggling with the loss. In a public statement, they thanked the community for its support during this difficult time. The family is now focused on bringing Julian’s remains home so they can lay him to rest with dignity.
Domestic Violence Awareness
This tragic case highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it is crucial to seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 and offers confidential support in over 170 languages.
