Local musician charged with murder of Elvis impersonator Bernie Peri
Bernie Peri was last seen at a night of karaoke in NSW’s central west; the next day the Elvis impersonator was found dead.
An Elvis impersonator has allegedly been murdered in Parkes, by a musician he had reportedly been trying to help find work.
Bernie Peri was a mainstay in the Parkes local music scene in NSW’s central west. On Sunday afternoon, the 75-year-old Elvis impersonator was found dead in his home by a concerned friend.
On Tuesday, fellow local country musician Marshall Karaitiana was arrested at his Tullamore home and charged with murder.
He was later refused bail at Lake Cargelligo Local Court. Police have not revealed a motive for the alleged murder.
Mr Peri was last seen alive on Saturday night performing at the Parkes Royal Hotel’s karaoke night, where he was a mainstay.
The Royal Hotel described him as a “dearest friend and patron”. As an Elvis impersonator, he specialised in renditions of the king’s later hits and country classics, performing under the moniker of Mr B.
Mr Karaitiana was a childhood friend of reality TV star Grant Crapp, a season-one winner of Love Island Australia who donated half his winnings to Mr Karaitiana in 2018.
At the time, the alleged murderer was recovering from a major injury, having fallen from a fifth floor balcony. He comes from a family of musicians and performs as Mellow Marsh.
On Wednesday, the Royal Hotel held a tribute to Mr Peri at which they played a selection of his greatest hits.
“The Royal Hotel will be throwing an hour of power to celebrate the life of our dearest friend and patron,” a Facebook post read. “To friends and family of Bernie, please feel welcome to head on down to the Royal Hotel Parkes.
“We will be putting Bernie’s beer of choice, Carlton Dry, at a discounted price so that we can all gather while enjoying one of his favourite brews.
“We hope to see you here to celebrate the life and share some stories among his family and friends.”
Mr Peri lived in the Elvis capital of Australia. Parkes is home to the country’s biggest Elvis festival, which has been held each January since 1993.
He performed a rendition of Peter Shilling’s Can’t Help Falling in Love at the 2020 festival and was set to host Elvis Karaoke at the Broadway Hotel during next year’s festival.
He was also a regular at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and posted performances to his Facebook account. In his final post, a cover of Charley Pride’s (I’m So) Afraid of Losing You Again, one commenter remembered him with the remark “keep on singing”.
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