Allegedly murdered boy may have been victim of mistaken identity, WA’s top cop says

Teenager Cassius Turvey, who died after he was allegedly bashed with a metal pole, may have been a victim of mistaken identity, according to police.

The teenager who died after he was allegedly bashed with a metal pole may have been a victim of “mistaken identity” and was at the “wrong place at the wrong time”, according to Western Australia’s top cop.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the death of Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey, 15, was an “absolute tragedy” but it was still unknown what motivated the alleged murder.

“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 told 6PR radio on Wednesday.

“I think it would be wrong of me to speculate at this time what the reasons were for the (alleged) murder.

“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 Turvey died after an alleged assault.

The schoolboy and his friends had just stepped off a bus and were walking along Patterson Dr in Middle Swan about 4.30pm on October 13 when a black Ford Ranger utility allegedly pulled up next to them.

A passenger then allegedly exited the vehicle and ran towards them, according to police.

The boy’s friends managed to run to safety at a Tafe campus, but Cassius was allegedly bashed with a metal pole, causing head injuries which required him to spend five days in hospital.

Hours after he was discharged, Cassius suffered a seizure and was returned to the hospital.

He suffered two strokes and was placed in an induced coma, but died on Sunday.

Police said on Monday they were yet to locate the pole and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, was initially charged with unlawful wounding, but the charge was later upgraded to murder.

Mr Brearley will next face Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on November 9.

Almost $200,000 has been raised to support his family.

Mr Blanch said police were still collecting evidence and seeking more witnesses.

“This is a devastating outcome; to have a young boy killed on the streets in WA, it’s absolutely horrific,” he said.

According to the boy’s family, the accused man mistakenly believed Cassius had been responsible for breaking windows in the neighbourhood.

Mr Blanch said there was no place for people to “seek revenge”, adding that was what the justice system was for.

“There is no place, no place, for people to seek revenge for what is likely to be a relatively minor crime, and in fact, you can often choose the wrong person and make the wrong assumptions,” he said.

“That’s why we have the justice process and the justice system, and that’s why we have police.

“If anyone acts as a vigilante, tragic things like this may occur.”

Jack Steven James Brearley has been charged with murder. Picture: Facebook

More than $196,000 has been raised so far via a GoFundMe page for the family.

In a statement, the boy’s mother, Mechelle Turvey, said her heart was “absolutely shattered”.

“There are no words that can describe the unimaginable pain of losing a son,” she said.

“He should still be with us today, going to school, playing footy and living a long life.

“As a family, we want to thank each and every one of you that has reached out during this difficult time.

“Thank you to everyone that has donated and shared our fundraiser and offered to help.

“It has brought us some comfort, knowing how much Cassius was loved and to see how much he meant to his family, friends and to our community.”

Ms Turvey said her son was a proud Noongar boy.

“The funds raised will be used to cover the costs of the funeral, as well as our legal costs as we seek justice for Cassius,” she said.

“We ask that everyone who can, to join the rallies in support of Cassius that are being organised around the country.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you once again and appreciate your unwavering support.”

Originally published as Allegedly murdered boy may have been victim of mistaken identity, WA’s top cop says