Detectives are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the movements of a former Beauty and the Geek contestant accused of killing her partner, as the search for some of his remains continues.
Tamika Chesser, 34, has been charged with the murder of her partner, 39-year-old Julian Story, at their home located on the Flinders Highway in Port Lincoln, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
Julian Story’s body was discovered decapitated after police responded to a small fire in the yard of the home around 3:35 p.m. on June 19.
Chesser, 34, was taken into custody at the scene.
Following his alleged murder, we know that Julian was dismembered,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke told the media this afternoon.
Former Beauty and the Geek Contestant Tamika Chesser Charged with Murder of Partner Julian Story
Fielke stated that investigators have yet to locate Story’s head and are urging the public to help trace Chesser’s movements.
Finding Julian’s head is absolutely vital,” Fielke said.
I can only imagine the immense grief this is causing his family. They are truly heartbroken.
Police Seek Public’s Help in Tracing Chesser’s Movements Amid Ongoing Murder Investigation
Police believe Story was killed around midnight on Tuesday, June 17, according to Fielke.
Authorities are working to piece together Chesser’s whereabouts between June 17 and the afternoon of Thursday, June 19, when she was taken into custody.
As part of the investigation, they’re asking residents to check any available CCTV or dashcam footage from that period.
CCTV images released show a woman, believed to be Chesser, walking three dogs while dressed in a black hoodie.
She frequently walks with up to three dogs and rarely uses a vehicle,” Fielke said.
We’re hoping the public will come forward with information about Tamika’s movements, which could ultimately help us find Julian.
Fielke stated that Julian Story was born and raised in Port Lincoln, while Tamika Chesser had only recently relocated to the area. He noted that police have not yet established a motive for the alleged crime.
“We’ve ruled out any religious motivation. While her appearance in the CCTV footage might suggest otherwise, we’ve discounted that possibility,” he said.
Fielke also confirmed that both Story and Chesser were previously known to police.
“There are several aspects of the case I can’t discuss at this stage,” he added.
Chesser has been charged with murder, interfering with human remains to pervert the course of justice, and assaulting a police officer.
Her identity was revealed after Magistrate Ben Sale lifted a suppression order in the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning. The order had also prohibited the release of Story’s name, details of his alleged murder, and information regarding the investigation.
Chesser appeared in court via video link today. She was denied bail last week during an earlier bedside hearing and is currently being held under a mental health detention order.
Chesser is scheduled to reappear in court for a committal hearing in December.
She previously competed on the reality TV show Beauty and the Geek in 2010, where she finished as the runner-up.
Story’s family has issued a statement through SA Police, expressing their gratitude.
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 heartbreaking time,” the statement reads.
We are enduring an unimaginable loss, and your care has provided comfort amidst the turmoil.
We’re also incredibly thankful to our family, friends, and this remarkable community. Your kindness and unwavering support have helped us through.
Your prayers, presence, and quiet strength mean more to us than words can express.
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