beheading
21 November 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hürth: A television camera can be seen in the studio during the 30th RTL telethon. Photo: Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa (Photo by Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Reality Star Pleads Not Guilty to Beheading Boyfriend

A reality television star has pleaded not guilty to murder after authorities accused her of beheading her boyfriend. 

A reality television star has pleaded not guilty to murder after authorities accused her of beheading her boyfriend. 

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As reported by PEOPLE, Tamika Chesser entered the plea on Tuesday, Aug. 11. She appeared on the 2010 season of Beauty and the Geek in Australia. 

Tamika Chesser Is Accused of Beheading Her Boyfriend

Chesser was arrested on June 25, 2025, for allegedly murdering Julian Story at their apartment. She is also being accused of beheading him and burning the 39-year-old's body. 

Authorties found Story's body on June 19, 2025. Police documents show that he is believed to have been killed two days before. Chesser was pregnant at the time. 

A neighbor reported a fire at Chesser's home to the police. When authorities confronted the reality television star, she claimed "nothing" happened, saying she took her dogs for a walk after locking the door. 

The police later found Story's remains in the apartment. Chesser was "catatonic" and in an "unresponsive state" in the backyard. 

"It was a confronting scene for police and emergency services personnel as Julian's body had been dismembered," said South Australia Police in a statement at the time.  "Julian's head had been removed during the dismemberment and, despite extensive searches, has not yet been located."

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said at a press conference held at the time, "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."

Story's skull was found on July 31, 2025, by someone walking their dog. Chesser gave birth in March at the mental health facility James Nash House in South Australia, where she has been held since her arrest. The identity of the child's father has not been shared.

The "Beauty and the Geek" Star May Not Stand Trial

The 35-year-old reality star entered her not guilty plea over a video link from the James Nash House. Chesser's lawyer is seeking to examine her mental fitness to determine if she can stand trial. 

The reality TV star is reportedly scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court later this year for her arraignment.