Former Reality TV Star Accused of Killing and Dismembering Her Boyfriend – Details

Authorities investigating a grisly crime in South Australia have appealed to the public for help as they continue searching for a crucial missing part of the victim's remains.

Police have provided insight into the investigation of the brutal death of Julian Story, a 39-year-old man allegedly murdered and dismembered by his partner, Tamika Chesser, a former contestant on "Beauty and the Geek Australia." As detectives work to track Chesser's movements in the days surrounding the crime, newly released footage is now at the center of public appeals for information.

As of July 1, the investigation remains ongoing, with South Australia Police still searching for Story's missing head.

To support their efforts, investigators have turned to the public for help and released surveillance footage intended to prompt recognition of Chesser's movements in the hours and days surrounding the crime.

The first footage, made public on June 27, shows Chesser walking her dogs while dressed entirely in black and carrying what appears to be a shopping bag.

Just two days later, on June 29, police shared additional footage allegedly depicting her holding her dog's leash in one hand and what looks like a jerrycan in the other.

According to authorities, the second video was captured during a morning walk near a gas station, approximately three hours before Story's remains were discovered.

Officers hope the images will trigger memories among Port Lincoln residents who may have seen Chesser walking nearby.

In addition to the footage, police also released still images of her clothing during that timeframe and asked the public to check any CCTV or dashcam recordings for clues about her route.

As the clip emerged, Chesser's family, located in Queensland, was shocked to learn of the allegations, and her sister spoke out to 9News.

She explained that Chesser had been struggling with mental health issues and had been in and out of care. "It's my sister but that's not who she is or the Tamika we know. That's not the Tamika anyone knows," she said.

In the months leading up to the incident, she appeared to be doing better and had expressed love to her family.

Meanwhile, authorities are focusing their investigation on the critical window between midnight on June 17 and the afternoon of June 19. Police believe this timeframe holds the key to understanding what happened to Story and where his missing head may be.

Investigators determined this period after emergency services were called to a unit on Flinders Highway at around 3:30 p.m. on June 19 in response to reports of a small fire.

Inside, they discovered the burned and incomplete remains of a man, later identified as Story. Based on forensic findings, police believe he was killed two days earlier, around midnight on June 17.

In the days that followed, police conducted an extensive search of Port Lincoln and the surrounding areas. Reserves, parks, bushland, and waters around the pier and bay were combed with assistance from State Emergency Service volunteers, SAPOL's Water Operations Unit divers, and local patrol teams. All to no avail.

Although the physical search has been paused, authorities have stated that it may resume based on further developments. Meanwhile, Chesser remains in custody, charged with murder, and under psychiatric care in Adelaide.

According to police documents obtained by ABC, she was found at the scene, seated in a garden chair, and was described as catatonic and unresponsive. According to her sister, she remains that way at the mental health facility, and the family is restricted from talking to her.

For now, authorities have reassured the public that this was not a random incident, and Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke emphasized the urgency of locating the missing remains.

"Recovering Julian's head to return it to his family so they can have a peaceful outcome, have a funeral, and lay him to rest, is a really important aspect for us," he expressed.

Fielke acknowledged that all murders bring grief, but the circumstances surrounding this one were "particularly harrowing, confronting and distressing." He explained that Major Crime detectives had spoken with Story's family, who were "devastated by his loss" and by the manner of his death.

To support the family in their efforts to find closure, police decided to release graphic details of the crime. Fielke added that identifying Chesser's movements remained critical, especially since she did not drive and frequently walked around Port Lincoln.

Anyone who may have relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestopperssa.com.au. Information can be shared anonymously.

In a written statement, Story’s family expressed both grief and gratitude, thanking police, emergency services, and the local community for their support. They described the period as a “devastating time” and said they were “navigating an unimaginable loss.”

The family also acknowledged the “kindness and support” they received, noting that the “prayers, presence, and quiet strength” of those around them had brought comfort during an otherwise chaotic period. They also shared that this would be their only public comment and directed all future inquiries to South Australia Police.

As the investigation into this tragedy continues, some members of the Port Lincoln community have been interviewed. Harry Singh, owner of the local Ampol Service Station, said Chesser was a regular customer who kept to herself but often bought snacks and drinks.

He described her as quiet and reserved. Singh also shared that Story was known to the police and had a troubled history, including frequent thefts from the shop.

Although Singh had provided surveillance footage of Story to police in the past, he said no action was taken. Still, he called the incident deeply "unfortunate" and noted that the town is generally peaceful.