Update in search for remains of Julian Story, man allegedly killed by Tamika Chesser

Police have given a major update in the search for a man’s remains after his partner, a former reality TV star and model, was charged with murder.

Police will launch new efforts to find the remains of South Australian man Julian Story, who was allegedly killed by his former reality TV star partner.

Former Beauty and the Geek contestant and model Tamika Chesser has been charged with the murder of Mr Story on June 17, with police alleging she cut off his head.

Officers have so far been unable to recover Mr Story’s head, with the wide-scale search for the Port Lincoln man’s remains halted earlier this month.

Police revealed on Tuesday that information received by investigators and the use of specialist equipment had identified several additional search sites in and around Port Lincoln.

“In the days following the (alleged) murder, Major Crime detectives, local police, Water Operations Unit and the SA State Emergency Service conducted extensive searches around Port Lincoln without success,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke 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.

Tamika Chesser has been charged with the murder of Julian Story.

“Police have reviewed a significant amount of CCTV footage since the incident which has provided a number of investigational leads.

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

Ms Chesser, 34 of Port Lincoln, has been charged with murder.

On Wednesday, the police said they had “covered a significant search area” and uncovered “several items of interest”.

“Further enquiries and forensic examination will be conducted to determine if they are connected with the murder investigation,” the police said.

“No human remains have been located at this time.

“Further enquiries will continue on Thursday.”

Ms Chesser appeared on the reality TV show Beauty and the Geek in 2010 and worked as a model and content creator since.

Police continue to investigate Ms Chesser’s movements in the week of the alleged murder. Picture: South Australia Police

SES volunteers, police divers and local patrols spent days looking for all of Mr Story’s remains across reserves, parks, ocean and bushland in and around Port Lincoln following the alleged murder.

Police will allege Ms Chesser murdered Mr Story at their unit complex in Port Lincoln about midnight on June 17, decapitated him and later set fire to his body on the afternoon of June 19.

“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,” Superintendent Fielke told reporters last month.

“I can only imagine, and I want you to imagine, the grief this news is causing Julian’s family.”

Ms Chesser was allegedly found at the apartment building in a “catatonic and unresponsive” state when she was arrested, court documents read. She was taken to James Nash House, a psychiatric facility.

Ms Chesser has also been charged with assaulting an emergency worker. She is scheduled to front court on July 31 for the assault case, and the murder charge is expected to be called in a higher court in December.

Originally published as Update in search for remains of Julian Story, man allegedly killed by Tamika Chesser