Authorities in South Australia are calling on the public for assistance as they continue to investigate a horrifying murder case involving a former reality TV personality.
Police are piecing together the events leading up to the gruesome death of 39-year-old Julian Story, who was allegedly killed and dismembered by his partner, Tamika Chesser — known to viewers from “Beauty and the Geek Australia.” While detectives try to trace Chesser’s whereabouts during the crucial period surrounding the crime, they’ve released surveillance footage, hoping it will prompt witnesses to come forward.
As of July 1, the investigation remains active, with police still searching for Story’s missing head.
In their appeal, authorities published two key surveillance videos. The first, shared on June 27, shows Chesser walking her dogs while dressed in all black, carrying what looks like a shopping bag.
A second clip, released on June 29, shows her holding a dog leash and what appears to be a jerrycan. This footage was taken early in the morning near a petrol station, just a few hours before Story’s remains were discovered.
Investigators are asking locals in Port Lincoln to review their security or dashcam footage to help track Chesser’s movements.
Family members of Chesser, who live in Queensland, expressed shock and disbelief upon hearing the allegations. Her sister told 9News that Chesser had long battled mental health challenges and had been in and out of care. According to her, the person accused of this crime did not resemble the sister they knew.
In the months before the incident, Chesser had shown signs of improvement and shared love with her family.
Police have zeroed in on the critical timeframe between midnight on June 17 and the afternoon of June 19 to uncover what happened to Story and locate the missing head.
Officers were first called to an apartment on Flinders Highway around 3:30 p.m. on June 19 after reports of a small fire. Inside, they found Story’s charred and partial remains. Forensics suggest he died around midnight on June 17.
Search efforts in the days that followed focused on nearby reserves, parks, and waters, aided by SES volunteers and dive teams — but so far, no success. While physical searches have been paused, police remain open to resuming them if new leads emerge.
Chesser is currently in custody, charged with murder, and is under psychiatric care in Adelaide. Police reports indicate she was found at the scene sitting catatonically in a garden chair. Her family says she remains unresponsive and they are not allowed to contact her.
Detectives reassured the community that this was not a random act of violence. Superintendent Darren Fielke emphasized the emotional weight of the case, describing it as particularly “distressing and confronting.”
Fielke underlined the importance of finding Story’s head to allow his family to hold a proper funeral and find peace.
The Story family released a written statement thanking police, emergency services, and community members for their support, calling this period “an unimaginable loss.” They noted that this would be their only public comment and asked for privacy going forward.
Local business owner Harry Singh, who runs an Ampol service station, described Chesser as a quiet and reserved customer. He also mentioned that Story had a troubled past and was known to authorities for shoplifting, though Singh noted the town was generally peaceful and called the situation “deeply unfortunate.”
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au. Reports can be made anonymously.