The arrest of Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser has stunned Australia and grabbed global headlines due to the grisly nature of the crime and her previous public persona as a reality television star. Once a familiar face in the entertainment industry, Chesser is now at the center of a murder investigation that has left many questioning how such a tragic and violent incident could unfold behind closed doors.
Authorities discovered the dismembered body of her boyfriend, Julian Story, in their Port Lincoln home, igniting a case that is as disturbing as it is complex.
From Reality TV to Modeling: The Public Life of Tamika Chesser
Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser first became known to the Australian public in 2010 when she appeared on the television show Beauty and the Geek. The show, known for its unique pairing of intellectually inclined men with socially confident women, launched her briefly into the spotlight. Chesser was one of the finalists, finishing as runner-up—a position that earned her fame and a stepping stone into the modeling world.
Following her stint on reality TV, Chesser pursued a modeling career that saw her featured in well-known men’s magazines such as Playboy, Ralph, and FHM. Her public persona was one of glamor, confidence, and high-energy performance. Her image became synonymous with the bold and sensual, capturing attention for her striking looks and outgoing personality.
Despite her public success, little was known about her personal life following her modeling career. Her presence in the public eye gradually faded, and she retreated from the spotlight. According to acquaintances and brief mentions in media, she maintained a relatively low profile in recent years.
Read : Carefree Thief Captured Dancing Before Looting Laptops From Australian School : Watch
There were no significant controversies or legal troubles associated with her name before this case surfaced, making the news of her alleged involvement in such a heinous crime all the more shocking.
BREAKING: 7NEWS can unmask a former Beauty and the Geek contestant charged with the alleged murder of her partner at Port Lincoln as 34-year-old Tamika Chesser. https://t.co/TkwugcmCwN #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/V7krp6HOri
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) June 27, 2025
Her relationship with Julian Story, the 39-year-old victim in this case, was largely private. Few public details are known about Story, but family statements indicate he was a loved and valued member of his community. The circumstances that led to their cohabitation and the developments in their relationship remain unclear, adding layers of mystery to an already chilling narrative.
A Crime That Shook a Nation
The sequence of events leading to the discovery of Julian Story’s decapitated body began with what appeared to be a minor incident—a report of a small fire at a residence in Port Lincoln, South Australia, on June 19. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities were met with something far more sinister. Inside the home, they found the dismembered body of Julian Story. Most horrifyingly, his head was missing.
According to South Australia Police, the scene was deeply traumatic for the first responders. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke stated that Julian’s body had been severely mutilated, and despite intensive searches in and around the home, his head has still not been located. The gruesome nature of the crime shocked not only law enforcement but also the community, which has been grappling with fear and disbelief.
Initial investigations revealed that Julian may have been killed around midnight on June 17. Surveillance footage, later released by the police, captured a woman believed to be Chesser walking her three dogs dressed in black—just hours after the suspected time of the murder. A witness reportedly saw smoke coming from the property and spoke to Chesser, who denied anything unusual was happening before locking the door and walking away.
The police launched an extensive forensic investigation and began canvassing the neighborhood for any surveillance or dashcam footage that might provide clues about the missing head or events surrounding the murder. Residents were urged to report any suspicious activity or evidence that might assist in piecing together the timeline of this grisly event.
Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser was found shortly after in the backyard of the crime scene in what court documents described as a “catatonic and unresponsive state.” She was taken into custody without resistance and has since been held under a mental health detention order. Authorities have stated that she was compliant during the arrest and that no clear motive for the murder has yet been established.
While many high-profile criminal cases contain motives involving jealousy, revenge, or financial gain, this case remains devoid of any obvious explanation. Investigators are still working to determine the relationship dynamics between Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser and Story and whether any prior incidents could have foreshadowed the crime.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
As the investigation into Julian Story’s murder unfolds, the legal proceedings have just begun. Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser has been formally charged with murder and remains in custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December, giving law enforcement and legal teams several months to gather further evidence and complete their forensic analysis.
One of the most pressing concerns for the police and the victim’s family remains the recovery of Julian’s missing head. Not only is this crucial for the investigation, but it also has deep emotional implications for the family. As Detective Superintendent Fielke put it, “Recovering Julian’s head to return it to his family so they can have a peaceful outcome, have a funeral, and lay him to rest is a really important aspect for us.”
The public reaction to the case has been one of horror and sorrow. Port Lincoln, a quiet coastal town, is unaccustomed to such brutality. Local residents have expressed disbelief that something so shocking could happen in their community. The Story family released a heartfelt statement, thanking the police, emergency responders, and community members for their compassion and support during this devastating time. “We are navigating an unimaginable loss,” they said, “Your prayers, presence, and quiet strength mean more than words can say.”
Mental health has also become a focal point of the conversation. Given Chesser’s state at the time of her arrest and her current detention under mental health protocols, questions have been raised about whether untreated psychological issues may have played a role in the crime. If so, this could lead to broader discussions in Australia about mental health support, especially for individuals who have lived in the public eye and may struggle with fame’s aftermath.
The media has also played a significant role in shaping public discourse around the case. While many outlets have focused on the gruesome details and Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser’s celebrity background, others have emphasized the importance of dignity and respect for the victim and his grieving family. The contrast between Chesser’s former life as a glamour model and reality TV star and her current status as an accused murderer has sparked wider discussions about the fragility of public personas and the hidden lives people lead behind closed doors.
As for the legal outcome, much remains to be seen. The next steps will likely include psychiatric evaluations, forensic analysis of the crime scene, and interviews with potential witnesses who may shed light on the nature of Chesser and Story’s relationship. Whether Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser will be deemed fit to stand trial or found criminally responsible will depend on upcoming court assessments.
Until then, the mystery of what truly happened inside that Port Lincoln apartment remains partially unsolved. The absence of a motive, the missing remains, and the abrupt transformation of a once-celebrated figure into a suspect in a brutal murder case make this one of the most disturbing and perplexing stories in recent Australian criminal history.