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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lucy Bladen

Two deaths at ACT licensed venues over past fortnight not linked: police

The crime scene on the corner of Bunda and Genge streets after a deadly brawl erupted outside Kokomo's night club in the early hours of Sunday morning. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

The death of Comanchero bikie boss Pitasoni Tali Ulavalu outside Kokomo's is the second death in less than a fortnight at a licensed Canberra venue following a physical altercation.

It came after Dalmeny man Warren Hordpenko, 44, died following a fight at the Kingston Hotel on the evening of Sunday, July 5.

But ACT Policing have said the two incidents are not linked.

"ACT Policing takes these incidents extremely seriously," Detective Inspector Matt Reynolds said.

"It is concerning that we have had two deaths at two licensed premises. I would like to say they are unrelated to each other but yes we are taking this very seriously.

"Two people have lost their lives and we are putting all our resources into investigating that."

While police have not formally identified Mr Ulavalu or the cause of death, Detective Inspector Reynolds would not rule out motorcycle gang violence.

A man died as a result of a fight at the Kingston Hotel on July 5. Picture: Karleen Minney.

The Kingston Hotel incident has not been linked to gang violence.

Canberra tradesman Kerry Kourpanidis, 35 has been accused of murdering Mr Hordpenko at the Kingston Hotel. This followed a fight where the victim was allegedly punched up to 13 times.

Mr Kourpanidis allegedly told Mr Hordpenko "you f---ed with me daughter" before he attacked him. He was remanded in custody and is due to face court later this week.

Both Kokomo's and the Kingston Hotel have only recently reopened after they were forced to close to dine-in patrons during lockdown.

Kokomo's only reopened late last month and the Kingston Hotel reopened in late May.

Police were asked about compliance with social distancing requirements but Detective Inspector Reynolds said venues had been cooperative.

"ACT Policing has dedicated two teams in our territory targeting team in relation to COVID-19 compliance, we also have a third team that is doing COVID-19 self isolating compliance," he said.

"In terms of policing this we've had a lot of cooperation from licensed venues and the restaurants ... I think everyone is doing the best they can."

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