Tony Armstrong issues moving tribute to slain indigenous teen, Cassius Turvey

The ABC Presenter issued an emotional tribute to 15-year-old Cassius Turvey who was allegedly murdered while walking home from school.

Broadcaster Tony Armstrong has criticised the handling of the alleged murder of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey, and said there needs to be more attention given to indigenous deaths.

The Noongar boy was walking home from school on October 13 when a man exited a black Ford Ranger utility and allegedly bashed Cassius with a pole. The alleged attack left the Perth boy with severe head injuries, which saw him hospitalised for five days.

After Cassius was discharged he returned to hospital after suffering a seizure. Once admitted, he suffered two strokes and was placed in an induced coma. Tragically, he died on Sunday.

Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, has been charged with murder and will face the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on November 9.

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Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey, 15, was walking home from school when the alleged attack occurred. Picture: Facebook.

Appearing on The Project on Thursday night, Armstrong criticised the lack of media attention and public outrage Cassius’ story was receiving. He also said the alleged attack should be referred to as a racially motivated incident.

“We don’t want to talk about how this is a racial incident, but ultimately when it’s all boiled down to, the value of property has been deemed more than the life of a 15-year-old

black kid,” he said.

“What kind of a joint are we living in? What kind of backwater are we living in if that’s the case?”

“How do you think families are feeling sending their kids out? It’s disgusting, I’m so angry and I know a lot of mobs really upset as well and my heart goes out to the family as well.”

Armstrong also paid tribute to the teenager, adding that the “most important thing to think about with all of this is this is a kid who’s 15”.

“He had dreams and hopes and aspirations,” he said.

“We saw how chuffed he was doing his radio bit.

“That’s gone.”

Weekend vigils are being planned in honour of Perth teenager Cassius Turvey. Two weeks after the shocking alleged attack that claimed his life, emotions are still incredibly raw.

A warning to First Nations viewers, this story contains images of the deceased.#TheProjectTVpic.twitter.com/SmluBV4tnA

— The Project (@theprojecttv) October 27, 2022

In the days since Cassius’ death, authorities have been criticised for their hesitation in not referring to the alleged murder as a racially-motivated attack.

Speaking on 6PR radio on Wednesday, WA police commissioner, Col Blanch urged people to refrain from speculating on the motive.

“We are not operating on any principles of racism or motivation at this point, other than to say we believe there was a damage incident that occurred and that’s resulted in the (alleged) murder of a very young boy,” he said.

“It may be a case of mistaken identity, it may be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I wouldn’t want anyone in the community to jump to any conclusions.”

Cassius was placed in an induced coma after he was readmitted to hospital. He died on October 13.

Cassius’ mother, Mechelle Turvey has also criticised police for only taking a brief statement from him, before he died in hospital five days later.

“We did not hear from any detectives, no police. Nothing. For five full days. That was their opportunity. That was their window,” she told The Guardian.

At the time of publishing, a GoFundMe for the family has raised more than $332,912.

The funds will be used to cover his funeral and legal costs for criminal compensation.