An online prostitute has been charged with murdering her boyfriend in South Australia, and police allege she decapitated him, set fire to his remains, and disposed of his head.
Tamika Sueann Rose Chesser, 34, who described herself as a “model and actress” but peddled explicit content on adult subscription site OnlyFans, is accused of killing Julian Story, 39, at around midnight on June 17 in the coastal city of Port Lincoln.
Some of Mr Story’s remains were found inside their unit two days later after emergency services were called to put out a fire inside, and South Australia Police allege his body had been dismembered.
His head has not been located, and police have now released CCTV images and video of her movements during the two-day period between the alleged murder and her alleged attempt to burn the body.
In one image Ms Chesser, who regularly posted Jewish, Hindu, aboriginal and Ancient Egyptian-themed images on social media along with sexualised photos of herself, is wearing a black Muslim-style headscarf as she walks her dog and is carrying a large bag.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Friday that police were releasing details of the alleged murder so Mr Story’s family can “peacefully lay him to rest”.
“We know that after his alleged murder, Julian’s body was dismembered and while I won’t provide any further detail about that at this time, I can tragically say that we have not recovered the head of Julian Story,” he said.
“We know that Tamika did not drive a vehicle and regularly walked around the township of Port Lincoln. We are appealing to anyone who can help us to identify Tamika’s movements to please contact police.
“It is crucial that we locate Julian’s head.”
Neighbour Jody Miller, who first spotted the fire and went inside to put it out, said he now needed psychological help.
“I’m going to need to see a psychiatrist to deal with it all,” he told The Advertiser, adding that Ms Chesser “seemed normal”.
Other neighbours said Mr Story was a quiet man who kept to himself and liked to play the guitar. He had just turned 39.
A suppression order was placed on Ms Chesser and Mr Story’s identities and details of the case after her arrest, but a magistrate lifted the order at a court hearing on Friday morning.
Mr Story’s family said in a statement: “We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos. We are also deeply grateful to our family and friends and this extraordinary community whose kindness and support have helped carry us through. Your prayers, presence, and quiet strength mean more than words can say.”
Ms Chesser, who was born in Queensland and was a reality TV contestant in 2010, has also been charged with assaulting police, and has been in custody in hospital and a mental health facility since her arrest.
She will face court again in December.
Header image: Left, right, Tamika Chesser (Facebook, SAPOL). Centre, Julian Story (Supplied).
