Julian Story: Beagle discovers missing head of man allegedly murdered by reality TV star girlfriend
A man who stumbled across human remains while walking his dog hopes the discovery will bring closure for the family of an alleged murder victim.
Tyson McCallum was walking along the Parnkalla Walking Trail in Port Lincoln — in South Australia’s south — with his two beagles, Benji, 3, and Alfie, 5, on Thursday when the dogs took off into the dense scrub bush and disappeared from sight.
“We were on a route we do a couple times a week,” McCallum told 7NEWS.
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Alfie returned to McCallum without Benji.
Fearing something had happened, McCallum went looking for Benji and found him by a bush with an object.
“I went into see what had caught his attention,” McCallum said.
“Pretty quickly, I made the connection that this is what the police were looking for.”
McCallum found Benji next to what appeared to be a human skull.
Police believe the skull is “the remains of Julian Story” but will confirm this through forensic testing, South Australia Police major crime boss Darren Fielke said on Thursday.
The area had not been previously searched by police investigating the alleged murder of Story.
He was allegedly killed in the Port Lincoln unit he shared with his girlfriend Tamika Chesser, a former Beauty And The Geek star.
Police allege Chesser, 34, killed and dismembered Story, including cutting off his head, on June 17 — the day after his 39th birthday — before setting his body on fire inside the unit.
Chesser is charged with murder, disposing of human remains to pervert the course of justice and assaulting a police officer.
She remains in custody ahead of her next court appearance in December.
On June 27, Story’s family released a statement, thanking the larger South Australian community for their support.
“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,” they said.
“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.”
Story will be farewelled in a private funeral on August 6 at St Mary’s of the Angels church in Port Lincoln.
Originally published on 7NEWS
