Reality TV star Tamika Chesser charged with murder after partner found dismembered

Police in South Australia are on the eighth day of a search for the missing remains of Julian Daniel Story, 39, whose body was found mutilated and partially burned at a home in Port Lincoln. His former partner, 34-year-old Tamika Chesser, best known for her appearance on “Beauty and the Geek” in 2010, has been charged with his murder.

Authorities were called to the Flinders Highway home just after 3:30 pm. on June 19 in response to reports of a fire. Story’s dismembered and charred body, missing its head and other parts, was discovered in a bathroom.

Police say Chesser was found unresponsive in the backyard and taken into custody. She has since been transferred to James Nash House, a secure psychiatric facility in Adelaide, and is currently being held under a mental health treatment order.


Chesser faces multiple charges, including murder, arson, interfering with human remains, and assaulting a police officer. She has not entered a plea and was denied bail at her initial court appearance via video link. Her next court date is set for December.

The case has devastated the town of Port Lincoln, where Story was a well-known local. Mayor Diana Mislov, speaking on behalf of his family, described the loss as “beyond belief.”

“He was a human being who didn’t deserve this,” Mislov said through tears. “He was much loved. Very much loved. The family is distraught.”

Residents say Story was a gentle presence in the community, with a quiet nature and strong ties to his family.

An ongoing search for closure

Authorities have yet to recover Story’s head, which they say is critical for both the investigation and providing the family with closure.

“We still have not located the head, and it is essential that we do,” said Detective Superintendent Des Bray. “We are asking the public to check any CCTV or dashcam footage they might have from June 17 to June 19.”

The State Emergency Service and police divers have scoured nearby beaches and coastal terrain for any trace of the missing remains. Investigators released new CCTV footage on Friday showing a woman dressed in black walking three dogs near the scene in the early morning hours after the alleged murder.

Police are appealing to anyone who may recognize the individual to come forward.

Chesser’s family told the media she had struggled with her mental health in recent months and had been recently discharged from a local facility. Her relatives say they pleaded with doctors not to release her, concerned about her condition.

Mayor Mislov echoed their frustration. “We need more mental health support in this region,” she said. “We don’t need short-term solutions, we need long-term care plans that help people.”

Rise Chesser rose to national attention in 2010 as a finalist on Beauty and the Geek, where she appeared as a bubbly 20-year-old. In the years since, she worked sporadically as a model and adult content creator under the name “Mika Chesser.”

Daniel Iachini, her co-star on the show, expressed shock at the allegations. “It’s incredibly sad for all involved,” he told The Advertiser. “My thoughts are with Julian’s family.”