A former reality television contestant has given birth while in custody at a South Australian mental health facility, where she faces murder charges in connection with the death of her boyfriend last year.
Tamika Chesser, 34, who appeared on the second season of Beauty and the Geek Australia in 2010, has been held at James Nash House near Adelaide since her arrest in June 2025. According to reports from Australian media outlet 9 News, Chesser was pregnant at the time of her arrest, though the identity of the child's father has not been publicly disclosed.
The charges stem from events on June 19, 2025, when investigators discovered the burnt and dismembered remains of Julian Story, 39, at the couple's residence in Port Lincoln on the Lower Eyre Peninsula. Chesser has been charged with murder, destroying human remains, and perverting the course of justice. She has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled to appear in court in April.
According to police reports and witness statements, authorities were alerted to the scene after a neighbor observed smoke emanating from the couple's unit. When questioned by the witness about the smoke, Chesser allegedly responded that she was doing nothing, then proceeded to walk her dogs and lock the front door. After the witness attempted to extinguish the smoke with water and received no response, emergency services were contacted.
Police arriving at the scene discovered Story's decapitated body in a bathroom. Chesser was found in a nearby yard in what South Australian police described as a catatonic and unresponsive state before being taken into custody.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke addressed the media during a briefing last June, acknowledging the disturbing nature of the case. "We know that after his alleged murder, Julian's body was dismembered and while I won't provide any further details about that at this time, I can tragically say that we have not recovered the head of Julian Story," Fielke stated. He added, "I can only imagine the grief this news is causing Julian's family. It is crucial that we locate Julian's head so that his family has the opportunity to lay him to rest."
In September 2025, Detective Superintendent Fielke confirmed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that Story's skull had been recovered after a local dog discovered it in nearby scrubland. "One of those situations where the dog ran off into the scrub, the dog didn't come back immediately on being called," the police spokesperson explained.
Story's family released a statement through the ABC expressing gratitude for community support during their ordeal. "Your care has brought comfort amid the chaos," the family stated. "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."
Chesser gained public recognition as a runner-up on the second season of Beauty and the Geek Australia, a reality competition that paired conventionally attractive women with socially awkward men competing for a grand prize. On the program, she was introduced as a cocktail waitress and was paired with contestant Thomas Richardson-Smith. The pair ultimately lost to dancer Jessie Byrne and National Math Champion Michael Price in the season finale.
The case continues to develop as Chesser remains in custody awaiting her April court appearance. South Australia Health has not provided comment on the recent birth or Chesser's current condition at the mental health facility.