Reality TV contestant Chesser enters mental health defence to murder charge
Tamika Chesser mounted a mental health defence in SA court Monday to murder and destruction charges.
Tamika Sueann Rose Chesser, 36, appeared via video in SA court on Monday. She faces charges of murdering her partner Julian Story and destroying his remains.
Chesser pleaded not guilty to both counts. A defence report found her provisionally unfit and mentally unable to have done the crimes, the court heard.
Prosecutors and the defence seek another mental fitness test. The test will check if she is fit to stand trial.
Chesser is held at James Nash House psychiatric facility under a mental health order. She was pregnant when arrested and gave birth in early 2026.
- Julian Story, 39
- The victim
- June 2025
- When disposed
Why it mattersHigh-profile legal case hinging on mental fitness; determines whether trial can proceed and affects how the justice system responds to serious crime.
AustraliaSouth Australian court case; outcome affects victim's family and the Port Lincoln community; raises mental health questions in criminal justice.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
