By Jessica McSweeney
Elvis enthusiast and local singing legend Bernie Peri was allegedly murdered by a fellow musician just hours after enjoying karaoke at his local pub.
Peri, 75, was a regular entertainer and patron of the Royal Hotel Parkes and has performed at the famous Parkes Elvis Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Peri, also known as Mr B, was meant to host Elvis Karaoke at the Broadway Hotel during next year’s Elvis Festival.
Bernie Peri was a popular performer in regional NSW. Credit: Facebook
The last time Peri was seen alive on Saturday night, he was entertaining patrons at the Royal Hotel during his usual karaoke night.
On Sunday afternoon, he was found dead by a friend inside his Alluvial Street home.
Police alleged in Parkes Local Court that Peri was murdered by fellow country musician Marshall Karaitiana.
The 28-year-old regularly appears on his family’s Facebook page, Keeping Up with the Karaitiana’s, which is run by his mother to share singing videos of her children.
Marshall Karaitiana was charged with the murder of Bernie Peri in Parkes.Credit: Facebook
In 2018, Karaitiana narrowly survived a fall from a balcony, which left him with serious injuries, including multiple skull fractures.
While he was in hospital fighting for his life, his close childhood friend and Love Island star Grant Crapp shared half of his $50,000 winnings from the reality show to help with his recovery, The Daily Mail reported at the time.
Peri intended to help Karaitiana get work in the local music and karaoke circuits once he had recovered from his injuries, locals with knowledge of the men told the Herald.
Detectives tracked Karaitiana down to a home in Tullamore, about 100 kilometres north-west of Parkes.
Bernie Peri of Parkes was allegedly murdered after a karaoke night.Credit: Facebook
He was later charged with murder and, on Wednesday, was refused bail at Lake Cargelligo Local Court.
Parkes Shire councillor Ken McGrath was close to Peri and described him as a “well-liked guy with a heart of gold”.
“He loved music, played at weddings, and whenever he could, he would hang out with his guitar … This is a big loss to our community,” he said.
Parkes local Jo Green Macdonald paid tribute to Peri on Facebook: “A true gentleman, always ready to shake your hand, have a chat and sing some country songs. Fly high mate.”
Monica Eric described Peri as a “beautiful soul” always ready to help anyone.
Peri posted regularly on social media, sharing hundreds of his covers of Elvis songs and other 1950s classics. In his last singing video before his death, Peri covered Charley Pride’s 1970 song (I’m So) Afraid of Losing You Again.
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