Source: NEWS.com.au
Perth -- DOMESTIC argument between gay lovers spiralled out of control and ended in the death of one in a Perth riverfront penthouse, police will allege.

Frank Cianciosi, 51, was found dead in the chic East Perth apartment on Friday afternoon.

His partner, Gerurdas Gerrit Heijne, 44, appeared in East Perth Magistrates Court yesterday charged with murder.

The men, well known in Perth's affluent social set, became millionaires after establishing the Lenard's chicken franchise in Western Australia.

Det-Sgt Terry Rakich, from the Major Crime Squad, said: "Police will allege there was a verbal and physical altercation and as a result of that we now have a deceased."

Police refused to comment on the cause of death.

They were awaiting details of a post-mortem examination, which will be conducted tomorrow.

In court yesterday, Mr Heijne remained expressionless as he stood in the dock, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts from the police watchhouse lost-property collection, during his brief appearance.

He was not required to plead and was remanded in custody to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on January 16.

Outside court,Mr Heijne's barrister,  Luka Margaretic, said they would defend the charge.

Police believe Mr Cianciosi died some time on Thursday or early Friday, but a precise time of death has not yet been determined.

Full article: Prominent gay lovers' fight ends in death | NEWS.com.au