Human skull found in Port Lincoln weeks after alleged murder of Julian Story
On Thursday, police confirmed a human skull was located in dense bushland, just outside Port Lincoln, South Australia, where Julian Story was allegedly killed on June 17.
South Australia Police major crime boss Darren Fielke said police believe the skull is 'the remains of Julian Story' however forensic testing would be done to determine if that was the case.
The area had not been previously searched by police investigating the alleged murder of Story in the Port Lincoln unit he shared with his girlfriend, former Beauty And The Geek star Tamika Chesser.
South Australian Police allege Chesser, 34, killed and dismembered Story, including cutting off his head, on June 17 — the day after his 39th birthday — before setting his body on fire inside the unit.
Chesser is charged with murder, disposing of human remains to pervert the course of justice and assaulting a police officer and remains in custody ahead of her next court appearance in December.
People had previously appealed for public assistance tracking Chesser's movements around the time of the alleged murder.
Police released CCTV images of the dark clothing she was seen wearing at the time, including as she walked a dog in the area.
In June, a large-scale police search for the missing remains spanned nearly two weeks — involving detectives, police officers and local SES personnel looking in bushland and along the coastline at Port Lincoln.
It was then paused until new search locations were identified and investigated in July.
On June 27, Story's family released a statement, thanking the larger South Australian community for their support.
'On behalf of our family, we want to sincerely thank the South Australian Police, emergency services, and first responders for their compassion and professionalism during this devastating time,' they said.
'We are navigating an unimaginable loss, and your care has brought comfort amid the chaos.
'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.'
Story will be farewelled in a private funeral on August 6 at St Mary's of the Angels church in Port Lincoln.
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