A fresh search for the remains of Port Lincoln man Julian Story has been unsuccessful, however, police said several ‘items of interest’ have been found.
The 39-year-old was allegedly murdered by his partner, former Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser, 34, at their Port Lincoln home on June 17.
Investigators are still hunting for Story’s allegedly decapitated head.
Story’s family revealed on Wednesday they will hold his funeral on August 7, despite the search still ongoing.
South Australian Police said on Wednesday that Major Crime detectives, the STAR Group and Eyre Western officers scoured multiple locations around Port Lincoln after new intelligence identified fresh search zones.
‘Specialist equipment has been used in the hopes authorities can locate Mr Story’s remains and give his family closure,’ Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said.
The operation turned up at least three items, a T-shirt, a drink bottle and a wristband, near the town’s cemetery, according to 10 News First.
A second location was later searched. While the items will undergo forensic testing, police said there was still no trace of human remains.
Police did not locate Story’s head, but did find several ‘items of interest’ on Wednesday
The family of Julian Story (pictured) planned his funeral, which will take place in Port Lincoln
Williams Funeral Services in Port Lincoln announced details of a memorial service for Story.
‘Taken from us on Tuesday June 17, 2025,’ the funeral notice reads.
‘Aged 39 years. Dearly loved son of David and Cathie. Stepson of Pam. Much loved by all his aunties, uncles and cousins.’
The service will be held next Wednesday at St Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Port Lincoln.
Instead of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to a local mental health charity.
‘No flowers by request, in lieu of floral tributes, a donation in Julian’s memory can be made to Mentally Fit EP,’ the notice reads.
‘Envelopes will be available at the Church.
It also confirmed that ‘a private cremation has taken place’.
Police are still looking for the head of Julian Story (pictured) who was allegedly killed by his girlfriend Tamika Chesser
Tamika Chesser (pictured) has been charged over Julian Story’s alleged murder
Chesser, a former cocktail waitress, was thrust into the spotlight at the age of 19 when she appeared on series two of the Seven Network show in 2010.
She allegedly killed story on June 17 at their Flinders Highway unit.
She has been charged with murder and with interfering with human remains to pervert the course of justice.
His body was found in the bathroom of their unit but police previously revealed Story’s head was missing.
In the days after the alleged murder, a neighbour told The Advertiser he had run into Story’s unit to extinguish what he thought was a smouldering fire, only to learn from police later that it was his remains.
Authorities have since scoured bushland, parks, reserves, and the popular Parnkalla Trail for evidence.
Specialist divers also searched Boston Bay, assisted by SES volunteers, but without success.
