Former Reality Star Dismembered Her Boyfriend, Head Still Missing
Tamika Chesser once graced magazine covers and competed for cash and romance on the Australian reality show "Beauty and the Geek." Now, the former model and television personality stands accused of one of the most disturbing murders in recent Australian memory — the death and dismemberment of her partner, Julian Story. More than 10 days after the gruesome discovery, police are still searching for Story's head.
A Shocking Discovery in Port Lincoln
On the afternoon of June 19, police in Port Lincoln, South Australia, responded to reports of a small fire in an apartment complex. What they found was far more than a smoldering pile of debris. Inside one unit, officers discovered a dismembered and severely burned body — later identified as 39-year-old Julian Story.
Chesser, 34, was found nearby, seated in a garden chair, described in court documents as being in a "catatonic and unresponsive state," according to ABC Australia. Police believe Story was killed around midnight on June 17 — nearly two full days before his remains were found.
Disturbingly, Story's head was missing from the scene, and despite exhaustive searches, it has still not been located.
CCTV, Smoke, and a Silent Suspect
Witnesses and surveillance footage have helped police piece together Chesser's movements following the suspected murder. According to court records cited by ABC Australia, a neighbor spotted smoke coming from the unit and approached Chesser to ask what was happening. She allegedly replied, "nothing," then walked her dogs and locked the front door.
The witness, concerned about the fire spreading, entered the apartment with buckets of water and found smoldering rags and clothing in the bathroom.
Police say they found no motive at this stage, though they confirmed that Chesser and Story were in a relationship and are investigating the nature of that connection. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke noted that the case involved "particularly harrowing" details, according to Fox 8, and emphasized the urgency of recovering the victim's head for burial purposes.
A Rise to Fame, Now a Fall Into Infamy
Chesser first gained public attention in 2010 as a contestant on the Australian version of "Beauty and the Geek," where she was a runner-up. The show paired attractive women with socially awkward men in various challenges. Her television fame led to modeling gigs in magazines such as Playboy, Ralph, and FHM.
But her media image is now overshadowed by a far darker spotlight.
Chesser was taken into custody under a mental health detention order and made her first court appearance via video from a psychiatric facility on June 27. She was denied bail and is due back in court in December.
The Hunt for Answers — and Closure
In the days following the discovery, police released CCTV images of Chesser in hopes the public could help track her movements between June 17 and June 19. Detective Superintendent Fielke stated that she "doesn't really use a vehicle," according to Sky News, making home surveillance footage from neighbors and local businesses a key component of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities continue to ask for help locating Story's head, stressing the emotional importance for his family.
"All murders cause pain and grief, but the circumstances of this one are particularly harrowing. It's vital we recover all of Julian's remains so his family can lay him to rest," Fielke said, according to Fox 8.
Story's family released a statement expressing their heartbreak and gratitude for public support: "We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos," they said, according to PEOPLE. "We are also deeply grateful to our family and friends and this extraordinary community whose kindness and support have helped carry us through."
References: Former Reality Star Is Accused of Murdering, Dismembering Her Partner. 10 Days Later, Police Are Still Searching for the Man's Head | Former Reality TV Star Tamika Chesser Arrested After Partner Found Dismembered | Head of man missing after murder in Port Lincoln as police attempt to track movements of his partner Tamika Chesser | Former Beauty and the Geek contestant accused of Port Lincoln murder
