Police in frantic search for victim's head after reality star girlfriend charged with murder
This article contains discussion of murder and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
A former reality star has been charged with the murder of her boyfriend but police are continuing the search for his decapitated head.
On June 19, emergency services responded to reports of a small fire at an apartment in the coastal city of Port Lincoln in southern Australia.
When police arrived at the scene, they tragically discovered the burnt and dismembered remains of 39-year-old Julian Story, and his girlfriend Tamika Sueann-Rose Chesser was arrested and charged for his murder less than 48 hours later.
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Chesser is best known for her TV appearances as a contestant on Beauty and the Geek Australia, having finished as runner-up on the 2010 version of the reality show.
The 34-year-old was discovered in the back garden in what has been described as 'a catatonic and unresponsive state' and is now due in court in December after being arrested.
However, perhaps most alarmingly, the unfortunate victim had his head removed during the dismemberment, and police have still been unable to find it, despite it reportedly being close to two weeks since he was first killed.
"It was a confronting scene for police and emergency services personnel as Julian's body had been dismembered," police wrote. "Julian's head had been removed during the dismemberment and, despite extensive searches, has not yet been located.
"The witness was concerned that smoke or fire would spread ... [so he] filled a bucket with water and entered unit 3 through the rear door," the documents state.
"In the bathroom of the unit, he located a bundle of clothing rags and debris, which was smouldering. The witness doused this and repeated this with a second bucket of water."
Police believe Story was killed around midnight on Tuesday, June 17 and are still appealing for witnesses as they look to get to the bottom of the 39-year-old's horrific murder.
Detective Fielke told reporters that the most important thing in the investigation at this point is locating Story's head.
"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," Fielke said, per CBS News.
"We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos," Story's family added in a statement. "We are also deeply grateful to our family and friends and this extraordinary community whose kindness and support have helped carry us through."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
Topics: Australia, True Crime, Sex and Relationships, Crime
James Moorhouse