Indigenous anger over lack of Cassius Turvey murder charges

A woman identified as the driver of the vehicle at the centre of the deadly attack on 15-year-old Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey was out on bail over multiple assault charges at the time.

Cassius Turvey.

A woman identified as the driver of the vehicle at the centre of the deadly attack on 15-year-old Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey was out on bail over multiple assault charges at the time.

A number of boys who were with Cassius at the time have named the same woman as the driver of the black Ford Ranger utility involved in the incident, and have told relatives that she shouted racial slurs and threats towards the children before the attack.

The woman, who has not been charged by police over the incident, is due in court next month over two unrelated matters. She is facing two charges of common assault and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, all relating to an incident in the beachfront suburb of Scarborough earlier this year, and one count of possessing cocaine.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and her family have been identified on social media. Video footage posted on social media appears to show several men attacking their family home on Monday night, close to where the attack on Cassius took place.

WA police confirmed they were investigating the incident, in which rocks were thrown at the home and caused damage to a window and roller shutters.

While police have been informed of the woman’s name as well as the name of at least one other male passenger, neither she nor the other man have been charged in relation to the incident that led to Cassius’s death.

Jack Brearley, 21, of Middle Swan, was charged with murder on Monday just hours after Cassius died from head trauma sustained in the attack. Cassius and three of his teenage friends were walking to the shops after school earlier this month and were wearing their school uniforms when a car allegedly carrying Mr Brearley drove past them. The children have told how the passengers of the vehicle shouted racial slurs at them before pulling over.

Mr Brearley is alleged to have stepped out of the vehicle brandishing a metal pole, with the alleged assailants said to have then told the children to run. Another boy who was with Cassius, and who was on crutches at the time, was also caught by the men and has told relatives he was beaten and had his crutches stolen.

There are growing frustrations in the Indigenous community over the lack of additional charges surrounding the incident, despite the names given to the police, and the lack of acknowledgment by police of the apparent racial motivations behind the incident.

WA police commissioner Col Blanch on Wednesday said he did not want anyone to jump to conclusions about whether race was a factor in the attack.

“I urge community members to refrain from unfounded speculation regarding this tragic death of a young boy, who was a much loved family member and friend,” Mr Blanch said in a statement.

“The justice process needs to be allowed to run its course, as does the ongoing investigation.”

The Police Commissioner’s comments have added to anger in the Aboriginal community over Cassius’ death.

Hannah McGlade, an associate professor and human rights expert said Mr Blanch’s comments were wrong.

“The victims said that they were racially abused in the attack,” she said.

“The police commissioner is telling Aboriginal people we don’t know racism when it‘s blatantly obvious.”

The federal MP whose electorate takes in the suburbs Cassius called home broke down in parliament on Thursday as she offered her condolences.

Tania Lawrence, the member for Hasluck, said the community was in shock.

“We are witnessing an outpouring of sadness and grief and my heart goes out to Cassius’ mother and his family and friends,” she said.

“Every child needs to be able to walk home safely from school.”