Police have suspended an “intensive” search for the remains of alleged murder victim Julian Story, with investigators to review CCTV footage before starting the search again.
Warning: This story contains details some readers may find distressing.
State Emergency Service volunteers, SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit and local patrols had been searching the Port Lincoln area over the last week for Mr Story’s remains following his alleged murder on June 17.
The search has covered reserves, parks, bushland and the ocean around Port Lincoln’s pier and bay area, police said.
In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, police said the “intensive searching” has been “paused for now but may resume at a later stage”.
“Investigators are now in the process of reviewing a significant amount of CCTV footage to determine any other areas for searching and may return to Port Lincoln,” SAPOL said.
“Intensive” searching for Mr Story’s remains have been suspended, SAPOL says. (Facebook: Port Lincoln State Emergency Service)
SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said there was “absolutely” a chance the search will be resumed once investigators review more footage.
“We’re just reassessing where the best opportunities are for us to locate Julian’s remains and provide that level of closure to the people who care about him,” he told ABC Radio Adelaide.
Last Friday, a suppression order was lifted on the identity of Mr Story’s accused murderer, 34-year-old Tamika Chesser.
Chesser, who was a contestant on Beauty and the Geek in 2010, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday via video link from psychiatric facility James Nash House.
The case has generated widespread media attention, which Commissioner Stevens said can generate “a lot more work” for police.
Former Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser has been accused of murder. (Supplied: Facebook)
“We focus on doing the job and being as thorough as possible,” he said.
“But when you do have a case that attracts the level of public interest and media interest, it can generate a lot more work for us in terms of people who are reaching in to provide information because of the awareness of the individuals concerns or the graphic circumstances.”
Investigators believe Mr Story was killed around midnight on Tuesday, June 17.
A family-supplied photo of alleged murder victim Julian Story, 39. (Supplied: SAPOL)
Police said some of Mr Story’s remains were found at a Port Lincoln property after a neighbour raised the alarm about a fire at the unit on June 19.
Police also said that Mr Story had been dismembered and officers were yet to locate his head.
Appeal to residents
After releasing CCTV images of Ms Chesser last week, police have also urged residents to review any CCTV or dashcam footage which may assist the investigation.
CCTV footage of Tamika Chesser around the time of 3.30pm on June 17, released by SAPOL. (Supplied: SAPOL )
“We know that Tamika did not drive a vehicle and regularly walked around the township of Port Lincoln,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said in a statement.
“We are appealing to anyone who can help us to identify Tamika’s movements to please contact police.”
In a statement provided to police last week, Mr Story’s family thanked emergency services for their assistance and the broader community.
Ms Chesser will next appear in court in December.
