A man is facing murder charges following the discovery of the body of a much-loved local performer in the Central West region of New South Wales over the weekend.
On Sunday, Bernie Peri’s lifeless body was discovered within his Parkes house on Alluvial Street, which is located 90 minutes south of Dubbo.
Peri was reportedly murdered hours after attending a karaoke night at The Royal Hotel, his local pub, according to Detective Inspector Jason Darcy.
They further claim that the defendant was present at the karaoke event.
A much-loved community member and committee member for the Parkes Elvis Festival, Peri was a regular performer at The Royal Hotel.
“The news had left the community devastated,” remarked Bernie’s friend.
“Upon hearing the news, everyone was taken aback… The Parkes Elvis Festival and the Parkes community have both benefited greatly from Bernie’s legendary status, he remarked.
I was absolutely crushed.
It was awful.
It was just incomprehensible that Bernie could be affected by something like that, given the kind of person he was.
“He was the kind of guy that would give you anything, if you were down and out he would help you.”
The NSW Police confirmed that Peri died as a result of head trauma.
A 28-year-old male was taken into custody in Tullamore following a day of investigations.
Parkes is located 100 kilometers northwest of Tullamore.
According to the police, the men were acquainted.
Charges of murder were laid against him upon his arrival at the Parkes police station.
He is scheduled to make an appearance in Parkes Local Court after being denied bail.
