Bizarre makeshift shrine located near a cemetery in search for man’s missing head, as remains still not located

A second day of a new search for Julian Story’s missing head has uncovered a bizarre find near a cemetery.

A second day of a renewed search to locate the missing head of Port Lincoln man Julian Story has concluded,with a bizarre find believed to be a makeshift shrine located near a cemetery.

Major Crime detectives, STAR Group and local Eyre Western police started up the search for Mr Story’s remains, after investigations revealed new areas of interest,finding a T-shirt, drink bottle and wristband.

On Wednesday, police said they covered a significant search area, uncovering several items of interest, which would be subject to forensic testing to determine if they were connected with the murder investigation.

Police said several different areas were currently being searched, with efforts to resume on Thursday.

No human remains have been found, they said.

A makeshift shrine his believed to have been located near a cemetery. Picture: Missing Link Media

No human remains have been found. Picture: Missing Link Media

It comes as the family of alleged murder victim are preparing to farewell the local Port Lincoln man next month.

As news broke on Tuesday that the search for Mr Story’s missing remains would recommence in the coming days, Williams Funeral Services in Port Lincoln invited friends and family to farewell him early next month.

“Taken from us on Tuesday June 17, 2025,” the funeral post reads.

Police searching scrub land in Port Lincoln for the missing head of Julian Story. Picture: Missing Link Media

“Aged 39 years. Dearly loved son of David and Cathie. Stepson of Pam. Much loved by all his aunties, uncles and cousins.”

The funeral service will take place in St Mary of the Angels Catholic Church next Wednesday, with the organisers requesting that instead of flowers, a donation be made to support services instead.

“No flowers by request, in lieu of floral tributes, a donation in Julian’s memory can be made to Mentally Fit EP. Envelopes will be available at the Church.

“A private cremation has taken place.”

Funeral Notice for Julian Daniel Story, who was killed in Port Lincoln. Picture: Facebook

Police will allege that 39-year-old Mr Story was murdered by his partner, 34-year-old Port Lincoln woman Tamika Chesser on Tuesday June 17 at their unit on Flinders Highway.

Ms Chesser, a former Beauty and the Geek contestant and OnlyFans creator, has been charged with murder, and with disposing of human remains to pervert the course of justice.

In the days following his death, police revealed the grim detail that Mr Story had been dismembered and that his head was missing, with extensive searches failing to find his remains.

A search for Julian Story’s head is set to resume after it was halted. Picture: Supplied by family

On Tuesday, Major Crime detectives said they will team up with local Eyre Western police in the coming days to resume searching, after new information identified several additional search sites in and around Port Lincoln.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke saidspecialist equipment had also been used in the investigation in the hopes authorities can locate Mr Story’s remains and give his family closure.

Tamika Chesser. Picture: Facebook

“In the days following the murder, Major Crime Detectives, local police, Water Operations Unit and the SA State Emergency Service conducted extensive searches around Port Lincoln without success,” he said.

“New search areas have been identified and by undertaking these renewed searches, we hope to find Julian’s missing remains, which will give comfort to his family and allow them to peacefully lay him to rest.

“We also appreciate the ongoing assistance the community of Port Lincoln has provided throughout the investigation.”

The unit on Flinders Highway where the partial remains of Julian Story were found. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Alleged murderer Tamika Chesser seen in the days before Mr Story’s death. Picture: SA Police

On June 19, a neighbour living at the same block of units as Mr Story, told The Advertiser that he ran inside Mr Story’s unit to help put out a smouldering pile after a fire broke out. 

Police have since revealed that it was the remains of Mr Story.

Following his alleged murder, there was a heavy police response and presence in Port Lincoln, searching reserves, parks, bushland and a popular walking track – The Parnkalla Trail – for the missing head.

Specialist divers took to the waters, searching Boston Bay with the help of volunteer SES crews, but have not yet been able to locate his remains.

Police said they have since reviewed a “significant amount” of CCTV footage which has provided a “number” of investigational leads.

Upon her arrest, Ms Chesser was allegedly found at the unit in a “catatonic and unresponsive” state, court documents read.

She has also been charged with assaulting an emergency worker.

She is scheduled to face court in late July for assault, and is expected to be called to a higher court to face the charge of murder December.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

Originally published as Bizarre makeshift shrine located near a cemetery in search for man’s missing head, as remains still not located