SA Police reveal slain Port Lincoln man Julian Story’s head is missing as Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser is charged with murder
SA Police has revealed grim new details of a shocking murder at Port Lincoln, as a veil of legal secrecy over the case lifts.
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SA Police have revealed disturbing new details in the alleged murder of a Port Lincoln man’s after his partner and former Beauty and the Geek contestant was charged over his death.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke told reporters on Friday that Mr Story’s body had been decapitated following his alleged murder by Tamika Chesser at a burned Flinders Highway unit.
Police said on Friday that Mr Story’s head was yet to be recovered as they revealed grisly new details from the scene.
“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,” he said.
“We are releasing the details of this horrific crime because it is vital for Julian’s family to peacefully lay him to rest.
“We know that Tamika did not drive a vehicle and regularly walked around the township of Port Lincoln. We are appealing to anyone who can help us to identify Tamika’s movements to please contact police.”
“We have spoken with Julian’s family, who are devastated by his loss and the circumstances surrounding his death,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said.
Mr Story’s relatives, speaking through a statement issued by SA Police, described his death as an “unimaginable loss”.
“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 devastating time,” the family said.
“We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos.”
Police are now trying to trace Ms Chesser’s movements in the week of the alleged murder, particularly between midnight on Tuesday and the report of a unit fire at 3.30pm last Thursday afternoon.
Major Crime detectives have released images of the clothing she was wearing during this time in the hope that it will jog people’s memories. Police are appealing to local residents to review any CCTV or dashcam footage they have which may assist the investigation.
The Advertiser understand’s Mr Story just celebrated his 39th birthday. Neighbours described him as a quiet man who liked to play guitar and mostly kept to himself in a modest unit on Flinders Highway.
Neighbour Jody Miller, who first noticed smoke billowing from the home, raced to put out the flames. He said he now plans to see seek mental health care to help cope with the trauma of what he discovered last week.
“It’s all really just starting to hit me what happened,” Mr Miller said.
“It’s disturbing, what everyone’s been saying. I’m going to need to see a psychiatrist to deal with it all.”
Mr Miller said the couple had been living together for several months and he often saw them in passing.
“She seemed normal, she was good,” he said.
“He seemed OK. We’d nod or say hey.”
Investigators say they believe Ms Chesser killed Mr Story around midnight on Tuesday 17 June.
Police allege Ms Chesser – a former Beauty and the Geek reality TV contestant, international model and adult-content creator – killed the 34-year-old and set fire to his remains.
She has also been charged with assaulting police.
Port Lincoln Mayor Diana Mislov has also paid tribute to Mr Story.
“I will remember Julian as a strong, handsome man – for the glimpses of light he gave, the moments of laughter, and the depth of love he had for his mum,” she said.
“My deepest sympathies to Julian’s family, and my thanks to all those supporting them at this very sad time.”
Follwing her Ms Chesser was taken to hospital where she remained for her first court appearance. She did not apply for bail.
Prosecutors initially applied for a suppression order on both her identity and Mr Story’s, as well as on the circumstances of his death and the investigation.
But in a hearing on Friday morning, Magistrate Ben Sale lifted the order — allowing publication of Ms Chesser’s name and image, and identifying Mr Story as the alleged victim.
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.
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Originally published as SA Police reveal slain Port Lincoln man Julian Story’s head is missing as Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser is charged with murder
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