**Former Reality Star Tamika Chesser Faces Murder Charges in Gruesome Case**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Tamika-Chesser-Beauty-and-the-Geek-Australia-3-031626-676aa7c5689a4b48ade2b21220f7ba6b.jpg)
Tamika Chesser, a former contestant on the Australian reality show *Beauty and the Geek*, has entered a plea of not guilty in relation to the murder and dismemberment of her partner, Julian Story. The incident occurred in their shared apartment in Port Lincoln in June 2025. Chesser, now 35, made her plea during a video appearance at the Adelaide Magistrates Court on August 11, as she remains in custody at James Nash House, a mental health facility in South Australia.
Chesser stands accused of taking the life of 39-year-old Story, a charge compounded by the horrific nature of the allegations, which include beheading and incinerating his remains. Reports from various Australian media outlets indicate that Chesser’s legal team intends to assess her mental fitness to stand trial, highlighting concerns over her psychological state at the time of the alleged offence.
The timeline of events began on June 19, 2025, when authorities discovered Story’s dismembered body two days after his suspected murder. The gruesome discovery followed a report of a fire at the couple’s residence. Upon arrival, officers found Chesser in a state described by police as “catatonic and unresponsive” in the backyard, while inside, they uncovered the dismembered remains of Story.
A police report detailed that when confronted, Chesser claimed “nothing” had occurred, and she was seen walking her dogs after securing the front door. The scene was reportedly disturbing for responding officers and emergency service personnel, particularly due to the violent nature of the dismemberment. Authorities later confirmed that Story’s head had been severed from his body and, despite extensive searches, had not been recovered.
According to Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, recovering Story’s head has become a critical task, allowing his family to hold a proper funeral and find closure amid the tragic circumstances. The investigation took a further twist when a member of the public discovered a skull in late July 2025, which was identified as belonging to Story, adding to the profound nature of the case.
In a separate development, it has been reported that Chesser gave birth while in custody in March 2025. The identity of the child’s father has not been disclosed, leading to questions about the extent of Chesser’s situation during her confinement. She is expected to appear in the Supreme Court for arraignment in the forthcoming months, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
Chesser’s case has garnered significant media attention, reflecting both public interest in the tragic events and the ramifications surrounding mental health in the criminal justice system. As the courtroom drama plays out, the implications of Chesser’s mental fitness assessment will be crucial in determining the proceedings ahead.
Meanwhile, Chesser’s familial and social background remains a topic of interest for the media and the public alike, with many seeking to understand the circumstances that led to this violent incident. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that can lie beneath public personas, as Chesser’s past as a reality television star contrasts sharply with the serious charges she now faces.
As the investigation continues and trial dates are confirmed, the community of Port Lincoln and beyond watches closely, hoping for justice and closure for Story’s family in the wake of this tragic event.