A same sex domestic argument between has spiralled out of control and ended in the death of one partner 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 WA.

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.

Mr Heijne's barrister, Luka Margaretic, contacted Major Crime detectives at 1pm on Friday after Mr Heijne went to his chambers.

Police discovered Mr Cianciosi's body in their high-rise home in Terrace Rd, opposite Langley Park.

They searched the penthouse until 2am yesterday, and forensic investigators returned to the complex in the afternoon.

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.

from the Sunday Telegrah

Tags: abuse, domestic violence