Everything we know about alleged killer reality TV star Tamika Chesser
Former Qld-based reality TV show contestant Tamika Chesser has been charged with murder – this is everything we know.
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Former reality TV show contestant Tamika Chesser has been charged with the murder of her partner, in a story that has grabbed headlines nationwide.
From Queensland links to the timeline of events, this is everything we know so far >>>
What is the timeline of events?
June 17, 2025 (approx. midnight):Police allege Tamika Chesser murdered and dismembered her partner, Julian Story, at their shared home on Flinders Highway in Port Lincoln, South Australia. Story’s head remains missing.
June 17–19, 2025: CCTV footage shows Chesser walking with three dogs and carrying a bag, dressed in black. She reportedly did not use a vehicle during this period.
June 19, 2025 (3.35pm): Emergency services respond to a small fire at the couple’s residence. A neighbour enters the home and discovers Story’s dismembered and burned body. Chesser is found in a catatonic state in the backyard and is arrested at the scene.
June 20, 2025: Chesser is charged with murder, destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice, and assaulting a police officer.
June 27, 2025: A court lifts a suppression order, allowing Chesser’s identity and details of the case to be made public. Police appeal to the public for information to locate Story’s missing head.
June 30, 2025: Chesser remains in custody at James Nash House, a forensic mental health facility, under a detention order. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 2025.
Who is Tamika Chesser?
Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser is a 34-year-old former reality television contestant and model from Australia.
She gained public attention as the runner-up on the 2010 season of Beauty and the Geek Australia and later pursued a career in modelling, including work with Playboy and as an OnlyFans content creator under the name “Mika Chesser”.
She has also worked as a model for a range of brands including Target and appeared in men’s magazines including Ralph and FHM, a profile for her on Star Now states.
Her Instagram and Facebook social media profiles are filled with racy and glamorous images.
She has also posted a series of images that appear to reflect Jewish and Hindu mythology.
In a post from June 2024, she writes at length about her “spiritual journey”.
What is she charged with?
Tamika Chesser has been charged with multiple serious offences in connection to the death of her partner, Julian Story, in Port Lincoln, South Australia. The charges include:
Murder: Chesser is accused of killing Julian Story around midnight on June 17, 2025.
Destroying human remains with intent to pervert the course of justice: Authorities allege she dismembered and set fire to Story’s body, possibly to hinder the investigation.
Assaulting a police officer: Chesser reportedly assaulted an officer following her arrest.
She is currently detained under a mental health order at James Nash House, a forensic psychiatric facility, and is scheduled to appear in court again in December 2025.
What are the police allegations?
Police allege that Tamika Chesser murdered her partner around midnight on June 17, 2025, at their shared residence.
They claim that she decapitated and dismembered his body, later attempting to set the remains on fire.
Emergency services responded to a small fire at the property on June 19, where a neighbour discovered Story’s severely burned and mutilated body.
Chesser was found in a catatonic state in the backyard and arrested at the scene. As of June 30, 2025, Story’s head remains missing, and police are appealing to the public for information to assist in locating it.
“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,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Friday.
What are Tamika’s Queensland connections?
Tamika Chesser has notable connections to Queensland.
She was based in the state prior to her recent relocation to Port Lincoln.
Her professional background includes work as a model and actor, and her modelling profile describes her as Queensland-based, highlighting her commitment to health, fitness, and a balanced lifestyle.
Investigators have noted that Chesser had only recently moved from Queensland to Port Lincoln before the incident.
Who was Julian Story?
Julian Story, 39, was a lifelong resident of Port Lincoln, remembered as a gentle and well-loved figure.
Mayor Diana Mislov expressed the town’s sorrow, stating, “He was a human being who didn’t deserve this … He was much loved. Very much loved. The family is distraught.”
In a statement, released through the police, Mr Story’s family called his passing 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 statement reads.
What has Tamika Chesser’s family said?
Ms Chesser’s sister said she had become concerned about her sibling’s mental health in recent months.
“It just started getting worse,” she told 9 News.
“She started being in and out of mental health. She didn’t mention anything and she just told everyone that she loves them.
“It’s my sister, but that’s not who she is or the Tamika we know,” the sister, speaking softly with a blurred-out face, said.
“That’s not the Tamika anyone knows.”
What have former TV show stars said?
A former co-star of the reality TV contestant accused of murdering her ex-partner in Port Lincoln opened up about their time on the program.
Tamika Chesser, 34, a runner-up on the 2010 season of Channel 7’s Beauty and the Geek, has been charged with one count each of murder and destroying human remains to pervert the course of justice after allegedly killing her partner Julian Story last Thursday.
Adelaide’s Daniel Iachini co-starred alongside Ms Chesser on the reality TV show, and said he had fond memories of their time together on the program.
“She was a lovely girl who was always nice to me and others and showed kindness to all the other contestants,” he said.
“This entire situation is very sad and distressing for everyone.”
Mr Iachini, who now lives interstate, said he and Ms Chesser “weren’t really close” on the show and they haven’t spoken in seven years.
Originally published as Everything we know about alleged killer reality TV star Tamika Chesser
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