In a shocking turn of events that has stunned the Australian entertainment industry, former reality TV personality Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser finds herself at the center of a horrific murder investigation that has left authorities searching for crucial evidence.

According to the New York Post, the 34-year-old "Beauty and the Geek Australia" contestant has been charged with the murder of her boyfriend, Julian Story, 39, whose decapitated body was discovered in a Port Lincoln apartment.

Police responded to reports of a small fire at the residence on June 17, where they made the grim discovery of Story's charred and mutilated remains on the bathroom floor. The investigation has taken a particularly disturbing turn as authorities continue their desperate search for the victim's missing head, hoping to provide closure to his grieving family.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Timeline of Events

Surveillance footage captured a woman, believed to be Chesser, walking through the southern Australian city dressed entirely in black, accompanied by three dogs. The footage was recorded shortly after the murder, which investigators believe occurred around midnight on June 17.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke has made a public appeal for assistance, urging local residents to review any CCTV or dash cam footage that might aid in the investigation. The authorities are particularly focused on tracking the suspect's movements in the hours following the crime.

When police arrived at the crime scene, they found Chesser in what court documents described as a "catatonic and unresponsive state" in the backyard of the property. This discovery led to her immediate arrest and subsequent charges.

Family Claims History of Trauma Behind Actions

Chesser's sister, Kiya-May, has come forward with an emotional defense of her sibling, revealing a troubled past that may have contributed to the current situation. She emphasized that her sister has endured a "life of trauma and abuse" that has severely impacted her mental state.

The family maintains that Chesser would never commit such a heinous act under normal circumstances, suggesting that her alleged actions are completely out of character. They point to underlying mental health issues as a potential factor in the incident.

These revelations have added another layer of complexity to the case, as investigators work to understand the motive behind the gruesome crime. The accused is currently being held under a mental health detention order.

Legal Proceedings and Police Investigation Continue

The case has garnered significant attention due to both its brutal nature and Chesser's previous television appearances. Beyond the murder charge, she faces additional counts of disposing of human remains and assaulting a police officer.

Authorities are particularly focused on recovering Story's head, which Detective Superintendent Fielke emphasized is crucial for providing closure to the victim's family. The missing remains have become a primary focus of the ongoing investigation.

Detective Fielke has expressed deep sympathy for Story's family, noting the additional trauma caused by their inability to properly lay their loved one to rest. The search continues with increased urgency as investigators follow multiple leads.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Check in on mental health and warning signs: It’s important to take mental health seriously. If you or someone you know is struggling with past trauma, seeking professional help or support services can make a difference. The presence of untreated mental health issues should never be ignored.

2. Be aware of behavioral changes in people close to you: Sudden isolation, unusual behavior, or emotional instability could point to underlying issues. Friends and relatives can often be early indicators and first responders when something is wrong. While we cannot always prevent violence, early attention can help get those affected the care they need.

3. Engage with your community and assist investigations: By contributing home surveillance or dash cam footage when requested by authorities, everyday residents can play a crucial role in solving crimes. Cooperation with local law enforcement helps protect communities and provide justice for victims and their families.

While these actions can reduce risk, it is essential to remember that anyone can be a victim of crime, regardless of precautions taken. Responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, and victims should never be blamed.

Why this story matters

This case raises serious concerns about mental health, domestic violence, and the availability of help for those suffering from trauma. It also reflects the importance of public awareness and involvement in criminal investigations. By understanding incidents like this, communities can become more vigilant and compassionate toward those in crisis. As police continue appealing for information and forensic experts analyze evidence, the search for justice in this disturbing case remains active. Investigators are urging anyone with potential leads to come forward.

Conclusion

This case involves the murder of 39-year-old Julian Story, whose decapitated and burned body was discovered by police responding to a fire in Port Lincoln on June 17, 2025. His girlfriend, 34-year-old former reality star Tamika Chesser, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder, human remains disposal, and assaulting law enforcement. Police are still searching for Story’s missing head as Chesser remains in custody under mental health supervision, with a court hearing set for December.