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, 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.