Tamika Chesser, who previously competed on Beauty and the Geek Australia, was arrested after her deceased partner Julian Story’s head was found near their South Australia home.
South Australian Police confirmed in a Friday, September 5 statement that the skull discovered by a dog in July belongs to Story.
After the officers confirmed that the head was Story’s, they explained that “a member of the public located human remains while they were walking in scrubland adjacent to Hindmarsh Street, Port Lincoln” on July 31.
“The remains were forwarded to Forensic Science SA for a detailed scientific examination which has confirmed their identity,” according to the statement.
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The investigation began when authorities responded to a report of a small fire at the couple’s apartment on June 19, where they discovered Story’s remains without his skull.
A witness claimed they saw Chesser, 34, locking the apartment and leaving with her dogs after she told the witness nothing was wrong. However, the witness said there was visible smoke coming out of her apartment as she left, according to court documents viewed by Australian broadcaster ABC.
Police have said they believe that Story was killed around June 17, more than one month before his skull was discovered.
Chesser was located by police in the yard adjacent to her apartment in a “catatonic and unresponsive state,” according to the court documents. Once she was found, she was taken into custody without incident.
CCTV footage has been released that showed Chesser around the time Story was believed to have been killed. Police have requested the public to share any information they may have regarding where Chesser was and what she was doing the night of Story’s death.
The investigation into Story’s death is currently ongoing.
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Before the latest development, Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke revealed why it was important to locate Story’s head. “We know that after his alleged murder, Julian’s body was dismembered and while I won’t provide any further details about that at this time, I can tragically say that we have not recovered the head of Julian Story,” he said, per ABC News South Australia. “I can only imagine … the grief this news is causing Julian’s family.”
“It is crucial that we locate Julian’s head so that his family has the opportunity to lay him to rest,” he added.
Not much is known about Chesser and Story’s relationship. He was not featured in any posts on her Instagram account, though she has notably not shared any new photos or videos since December 2023.
Chesser rose to fame while appearing on Beauty and the Geek Australia in 2010, while she has also worked as a model and actress.
