Caution: The following content may be distressing for some readers.
Julian Story, a 39-year-old man, was reportedly murdered by his girlfriend, Tamika Chesser, a former reality TV contestant, following a minor fire at their residence in Port Lincoln on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula on June 19. Recently, a human skull was discovered in a bush area in Port Lincoln, six weeks after Story’s body was found decapitated in their apartment.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke expressed his belief that the skull belongs to Story, pending forensic confirmation. Chesser was apprehended at the scene and subsequently charged with Story’s murder. "We know that after his alleged murder, Julian was dismembered," Fielke informed the media last month.
Authorities have sought public assistance in determining Chesser’s movements while searching for the missing remains of Story. "Locating Julian’s head is of utmost importance," Fielke noted, emphasising the distress this situation has caused for Story’s family, who are grappling with their loss.
Investigations suggest that Story was murdered around midnight on June 17. However, police have yet to identify a motive for the alleged crime. Chesser faces multiple charges including murder, disposing of human remains to hinder legal proceedings, and assaulting an officer during her arrest.
Her identity emerged after the lifting of a suppression order in Adelaide Magistrates Court, following which she appeared via video link and was denied bail during an initial bedside hearing. Currently, Chesser is held under a mental health detention order.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).