The search for the remains of Julian Story, an alleged murder victim from South Australia, has been put on hold as police analyse CCTV footage related to the actions of his accused killer.
Tamika Chesser, a former reality TV personality aged 34, is charged with the murder of her partner, 39-year-old Story, at their residence on the Flinders Highway in Port Lincoln. Chesser is currently confined to the James Nash House mental health facility and has yet to speak with detectives.
Following a thorough land and sea search for Story’s remains, police announced the suspension of efforts, shifting focus to gathering and assessing crucial CCTV footage. SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens stated the importance of directing resources efficiently, emphasising the widespread availability of CCTV in today’s society. He encouraged the public to come forward with any footage that could aid the investigation, as even seemingly trivial details may be significant.
Police discovered Story’s body without its head in the aftermath of a fire at their home on June 19. Chesser was apprehended at the scene, and Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke confirmed that following the alleged murder, Story was dismembered, with the search for his head ongoing.
Fielke expressed the necessity of locating Story’s head for closure, particularly for his grieving family. There has been a strong community response, with police urging anyone who may have seen Chesser or has information about her movements around the time of the incident to assist in the investigation.
Detectives have released images showcasing the clothing Chesser was wearing on or around the day of the event, trying to jog public memory. They believe this could help track her movements as she did not use a vehicle and often walked around Port Lincoln.
In a heartfelt message, Story’s family extended their gratitude to the South Australian Police and first responders for their support during what they described as an “unimaginable loss.” They acknowledged the community’s kindness and the comfort provided to them amidst their grief, expressing appreciation for the compassion shown during this devastating time.