‘Outpouring of grief’ for Cassius Turvey ahead of ‘day of action’

The heartbroken mother of allegedly murdered teenager Cassius Turvey has been described as “outstanding” as she led a candlelight vigil calling for change.

The devastated mother of an allegedly murdered schoolboy has been praised for “speaking from the heart” as she called for change at a candlelight vigil in Perth.

Among those in attendance at Midland Oval on Monday night were the traumatised friends of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey who witnessed the attack.

His grieving mother Mechelle Turvey spoke about the community’s youth while calling for change.

Mechelle Turvey thanks friends of Cassius Turvey during the vigil. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey died 10 days after the alleged assault.

“My son was an amazing young boy, we have lots of amazing young people in our community, black, white and brown,” she told reporters.

“I want to tell those children not to be fearful, you can still walk the streets.”

The candlelight vigil coincided with Halloween, which was his favourite day of the year.

Premier Mark McGowan, who did not attend the vigil, told reporters on Tuesday he had been advised it was a very respectful and meaningful event.

“Cassius’ mother showed magnificent qualities at the rally,” he said.

“It’s all very, very sad – a little boy losing his life is just terribly tragic.”

A Noongar man prior to the welcome smoking ceremony at the vigil. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti, who did attend the vigil, told reporters it was a great community event.

“Everyone came together to reflect on a short life and Cassius’ mum was outstanding,” he said.

“(She) spoke from the heart, asked everyone to remember Cassius, but not to use the tragic situation for their own personal individual campaigns, and for everyone to come together and look after each other.”

Mr Buti acknowledged the alleged circumstances of Cassius’ death created tension.

“Cassius’ mum spoke last night from the heart, she’s still obviously mourning, but was adamant that we should be championing his life, reflecting on this beautiful boy and not to use his situation for anyone’s own personal campaign,” he said.

Moving candlelight vigil in Perth tonight, celebrating the life of Cassius Turvey. The 15yo schoolboy was allegedly murdered in a racist attack #JusticeForCassiuspic.twitter.com/2eUg14EDg7

— Aaron Fernandes (@az_journalist) October 31, 2022

A note left at the Perth vigil for Cassius Turvey. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

It was a strong turnout for Cassius Turvey. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

The young Aboriginal boy was allegedly murdered in a horrific attack in Middle Swan after he stepped off a bus while travelling home from school.

Police allege Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, bashed Cassius with a metal pole, with the schoolboy dying in hospital 10 days later after suffering severe head injuries.

Mr Brearley has been charged with murder over Cassius’ death.

He has also been charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing linked to a 13-year-old boy who was with Cassius at the time.

Police allege Mr Brearley struck the boy with a pole, believed to be shopping trolley handle, then stole the boy’s walking crutches and cap.

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

From above, hundreds of mourners gathering at a vigil this evening at Midland Oval in honour of Cassius Turvey #[e-mail]/d58YMlLzYd

— Simon Hydzik (@simonhydzik) October 31, 2022

The vigil for Cassius comes before a national day of action set for Wednesday.

More than 40 rallies for Cassius are set to take place across the country this week, with similar events also planned for New Zealand and the United States.

Members of the public gathered for the vigil on Halloween, which was Cassius’ favourite day. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

Cassius Turvey, 15, died in a Perth hospital last Sunday after he was allegedly violently assaulted in Middle Swan. The candlelight vigil included people of all ages. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

Mechelle Turvey takes part in the smoking ceremony. Picture: Matt Jelonek / Getty Images

More than $528,000 has been raised from more than 12,000 individual donations, with the money initially going toward funeral related expenses.

“In addition, they will be put towards legal costs – and a potentially costly legal battle – as our family continues to fight for justice for Cassius,” said his cousin Michelle Wighton.

“Finally, any additional funds will be used to support local youth and to give back to the local community where Cassius lived and grew up, and this will be done in Cassius’ name.”

Originally published as ‘Outpouring of grief’ for Cassius Turvey ahead of ‘day of action’