Key Takeaways
- Tamika Chesser, a 34-year-old reality TV contestant, has been charged with murder, destroying human remains, and perverting the course of justice in connection with the death of her partner, Julian Story.
- The case has been adjourned until May 19 to allow police to finish examining a large volume of evidence, including a post-mortem report, crime scene analysis, and forensic analysis of phones and DNA evidence.
- Chesser is being held under a mental health detention order at a psychiatric facility and appeared via video link in court, speaking only to confirm that she could see and hear the proceedings.
- The prosecution is awaiting a post-mortem report, due in February or March, and crime scene analysis, including fire examination and blood pattern analysis, before making a decision on charge determination.
- The case has sparked a public appeal for help, with police releasing images and video of a woman alleged to be Chesser walking on Port Lincoln streets after the killing.
Introduction to the Case
The Adelaide Magistrates Court has adjourned the case of Tamika Chesser, a 34-year-old reality TV contestant, until May 19 to allow police to finish examining a large volume of evidence in connection with the death of her partner, Julian Story. Chesser, who appeared on the TV show Beauty and the Geek in 2010, has been charged with murder, destroying human remains, and perverting the course of justice after the dismembered body of Story, 39, was found at the couple’s home in Port Lincoln on June 19. The case has sparked a significant investigation, with police working to piece together the events surrounding Story’s death.
The Investigation So Far
Prosecutor Lisa Duong told the court that the prosecution was awaiting a post-mortem report, due in February or March, and crime scene analysis, including fire examination and blood pattern analysis. The prosecution is also awaiting forensic analysis of phones owned by Chesser and Story, as well as DNA evidence. Duong noted that the volume of DNA evidence in the case was significant, and the report would be provided in two stages, with the first report due on April 17 next year and the second on July 10. The prosecution expects to be able to make a decision on charge determination after the first report is completed.
The Charges and Evidence
Chesser has been charged with murder, destroying human remains, and perverting the course of justice in connection with Story’s death. Police allege that Story was killed on June 17, and that Chesser was seen walking on Port Lincoln streets after the killing, carrying a bag that may have contained Story’s head. The images and video of Chesser, which were released by police in June, show a woman wearing a black headscarf and black full-body coverings, carrying a bag. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke has said that police would not discount the possibility that Story’s head was inside the bag.
The Search for Evidence
The investigation into Story’s death has involved a significant search for evidence, including a public appeal for help. On June 27, Detective Superintendent Fielke issued a plea for public help, stating that police had not recovered Story’s head. A Port Lincoln resident later came forward, telling police that they had found a skull in scrub while pursuing a wandering dog. Tests by Forensic Science SA confirmed that the remains belonged to Story. The search for evidence has been ongoing, with police working to piece together the events surrounding Story’s death.
The Adjournment and Next Steps
The case has been adjourned until May 19 to allow police to finish examining the evidence. Chesser is being held under a mental health detention order at a psychiatric facility and appeared via video link in court, speaking only to confirm that she could see and hear the proceedings. The prosecution will review the evidence and make a decision on charge determination after the first report is completed. The case is expected to proceed to trial, with the exact charges and details of the case to be determined at a later date.
Conclusion
The case of Tamika Chesser is a complex and ongoing investigation, with police working to piece together the events surrounding the death of Julian Story. The adjournment of the case until May 19 will allow police to finish examining the evidence and make a decision on charge determination. The case has sparked a significant public interest, with many following the developments and awaiting the outcome. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge, and the case will proceed to trial.