Tamika Chesser, once a bright-eyed contestant on Beauty and the Geek Australia, is now at the center of a deeply disturbing criminal case that’s gripped the country. She’s been formally charged with the murder and dismemberment of her boyfriend, Julian Story, a case so grisly it’s left even seasoned detectives rattled.
It all began on June 19, 2025, when emergency services responded to a report of a small fire at an apartment in Port Lincoln, South Australia. What they found inside was far more horrifying than anyone expected.
A Grim Discovery: Body Burned, Head Missing
Police say Story’s body had been burned and cut apart, a crime scene so brutal that investigators are still trying to piece it all together. The most chilling detail? His head was missing, and despite an ongoing search, it still hasn’t been found.
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help locate it, especially for the sake of Story’s grieving family, who are desperate for closure and a chance to lay him to rest properly.
Detectives believe the murder happened around midnight on June 17. Not long after, Tamika Chesser was reportedly caught on nearby surveillance cameras walking her dogs, a seemingly mundane activity that’s now part of a crucial investigation timeline.
Tamika Chesser Found in Catatonic State, Now Facing Multiple Charges
When police arrived, they found Chesser inside the apartment, reportedly in a catatonic state. She was taken into custody on the spot and has since been charged with murder, assaulting a police officer, and attempting to conceal human remains.
Her mental state at the time is still being evaluated, but authorities haven’t said yet whether she plans to pursue an insanity defense. For now, she’s being held without bail and is expected to appear in court again in December for a committal hearing.
“This Is Beyond Horrific,” Say Police
“This was a brutal and disturbing act,” said Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke during a press briefing. “Our focus right now is on recovering Julian’s head and figuring out how something like this could’ve happened.”
He also mentioned the emotional toll the case is taking, not just on the family, but the entire Port Lincoln community, where violent crimes like this are rare and deeply unsettling.
Police are especially interested in what happened between June 17 and 19 and are asking locals to check any home security or dashcam footage for signs of Chesser during that time.
The Public Reacts: From Reality TV Fame to Tragedy
If you remember Tamika Chesser from her stint on Beauty and the Geek, it’s hard to reconcile that bubbly, made-for-TV personality with the person now facing such gruesome allegations. The show, known for pairing glamorous women with socially awkward men, gave her a brief brush with fame, but this turn of events has left many viewers stunned and heartbroken.
The case has also sparked renewed discussions online about mental health, intimate partner violence, and the hidden struggles people face behind closed doors. As of now, police haven’t revealed a motive, but the speculation is already swirling.
Julian Story’s Family Speaks Out
Story’s family released a brief but emotional statement, saying they’re still trying to make sense of the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken and still trying to process what has happened to our beloved Julian,” they wrote. “We ask for privacy and continue to pray that his remains are recovered in full.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral expenses and legal support, as the family braces for a long and painful legal journey ahead.
What’s Next?
Tamika Chesser is due back in court in December 2025, where prosecutors are expected to bring more evidence to the table, including forensic details and digital data. Given the shocking nature of the case and Chesser’s public profile, it’s likely to remain a major media focus in the coming months.
Meanwhile, police are keeping their plea open: if you saw anything suspicious in Port Lincoln around mid-June, or have footage that could help, now’s the time to come forward.
