Bernie Peri: ‘Lovely’ Parkes Man accused of killing Elvis impersonator dies after singing karaoke at bar

A man has been charged with murder after a “beloved” Elvis Presley impersonator was found dead at his home in Parkes at the weekend.

The Midwestern town is mourning the death of Bernie Peri, a well-known musician in the area who frequently performed at local bars. “Mr B” also performed at the Parkes Elvis Festival many times.

The 75-year-old musician was last seen at Parkes’ Royal Hotel on Saturday evening and reportedly spent the night singing karaoke and entertaining locals, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Emergency services were called to Alluvial Street at around 1.40pm, where they discovered the body at his home – reportedly called after a concerned friend visited Mr Peri to check on him.

A crime scene was established and a joint investigation was launched with the help of the homicide unit.

On Tuesday evening police arrested a 28-year-old man at a house on Haylock Street in Tullamore, about 100km northwest of Parkes.

The man, identified by the Daily Telegraph as Marshall Karaitiana, was taken to Parkes Police Station and charged with murder.

The man, who was refused bail, is expected to appear at Parkes Local Court on Wednesday.

The Parkes community is reeling after the sudden death of the 75-year-old man as tributes are paid to the “true gentleman” who, according to many commentators, was a “legend” on the music scene.

Mr Fairy was a regular at the town’s Elvis Festival and posted photos of himself performing in the streets dressed in dazzling jumpsuits and singing with festivalgoers.

He also delighted his friends, family and fans by sharing videos of himself singing on his social media.

The Royal Hotel, where Mr Peri was last seen, announced it would host an event for “one of our beloved patrons and artists” on Wednesday.

“Royal Hotel will stage an hour-long tour de force to celebrate the life of our dear friend and patron,” the bar wrote on social media.

The hotel said it would “offer Bernie’s beer of choice, Carlton Dry, at a discounted price so we can come together while enjoying one of his favorite beers.”

The post was flooded with tributes to the 75-year-old singer.

“A true gentleman, always ready to shake your hand, chat and sing some country songs. Fly high my friend,” one local wrote.

“What a beautiful soul. Another wrote: He was very down to earth and always ready to help.

One person wrote that the gesture was “very much appreciated” by Mr Peri’s family.

“Bernie is and always will be a huge part of the Parkes community and he will be greatly missed.”

Mr Peri was booked to host karaoke at the Broadway Hotel during the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival this January.

He was also a regular at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and was trying to write and produce an original album for the Parkes Elvis Festival.