EXCLUSIVE
An Elvis Presley fan who was allegedly murdered by Love Island winner Grant Crapp’s best friend had been trying to help his accused killer find work, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.
Pensioner Bernie Peri, 75, was found dead inside his home in Parkes, central western New South Wales, by a concerned friend about 1.40pm on Sunday.
He had last been seen attending a karaoke event at the city’s Royal Hotel the night before.
Marshall Karaitiana, 28, was arrested at a house in Haylock Street, Tullamore, about 100 kilometers north-west of Parkes, at 5pm on Tuesday and has since been charged with murder.
He is due to appear at Parkes Local Court later on Wednesday.
Karaitiana made headlines in 2018 after his childhood best friend Grant Crapp shared half of his $50,000 prize money with him after winning the inaugural Love Island Australia series in 2018 alongside girlfriend Tayla Damir.
At the time, Karaitiana was fighting for her life in the hospital after falling from a fifth-floor balcony in May 2018.
“I have a close friend who has been in a serious accident and is in the hospital right now,” Crapp said at the time.
Bernie Peri (pictured) was allegedly murdered over the weekend
Marshall Karaitiana, 28, (pictured) has been arrested and charged with the alleged murder.
“He just came off life support, so I want to give half of my money to his family because they’re struggling and I want to see him recover 100 percent.”
Grant continued: “He’s a good friend of mine and I’m always there for my teammates.”
Despite his horrific injuries (which included brain, intestinal and bladder bleeding, punctured lungs, torn liver and broken ribs, skull, spine, feet and knuckles), Karaitiana made a miraculous recovery.
However, a source told Daily Mail Australia that Karaitiana’s accident left him with some permanent injuries.
Karaitiana, a talented singer and guitarist, returned to performing a year after his near-death experience, doing live shows under the stage name Mellow Marsh.
In addition to running his own business, the 28-year-old also frequently appears alongside his siblings on Keeping up with the Karaitiana’s, a social media page created by his mother and dedicated to her children’s musical pursuits.
“Just trying to get the names of my talented children known and heard,” the bio says.
“Please support, share and like the page.”
Love Island stars Grant Crapp and Tayla Damir are pictured during their time on the hit TV show.
Crapp gave half of the prize money to Karaitiana, who is pictured during her fight for life in the hospital in 2018.
Karaitiana, who grew up helping his father Michael run the famous Roy Bell’s Boxing Tent touring show, which operated throughout Australia, moved to the NT from Queensland after his fall before later moving to Parkes.
“Bound for Parkes, the place Elvis Presley once called home,” he wrote online in November 2022.
‘There’s nothing studio worthy to release so far, sorry fans. I hope they stay nice and dry considering all the flooding…
“As always, music weighs heavily on my heart. If anyone wants to put on a show, let me know.”
Like Karaitiana, Bernie Peri was also a keen musician and frequently sang Elvis Presley songs at events in Parkes, which is the King of Rock and Roll capital of Australia, with an annual gathering of Elvis impersonators.
Both men also shared a similar cultural background. Mr Peri was a Kiwi, originally from Kaitaia, while Karaitiana’s mother is from New Zealand and her father is half Maori and half Australian.
Tributes have begun to pour in online for Peri, who has been remembered by loved ones and locals as a “true gentleman” and a “legend”.
“A true gentleman, always willing to shake your hand, chat and sing some country songs,” wrote a friend.
‘Fly high friend.’
His niece Candy Schaefer described her uncle as a “sweet man.”
“May you rest in peace, Uncle Bernie,” he wrote.
‘We are all going to miss you very much and we love you.
‘Fly high… another angel.’
Another friend said: ‘What a beautiful soul. He was down to earth and always willing to help.
“Bernie, we will miss you.”
The Royal Parkes Hotel, where Peri was a beloved customer and regular entertainer, will host a ‘power hour’ between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesday to celebrate his life.
“We are offering Bernie’s favorite beer, Carlton dry, at a discounted price so we can all come together while enjoying one of his favorite beers,” the company wrote online.
“We hope to see you here to celebrate life and share some stories with your family and friends.”