Memorial for teenager Cassius Turvey after alleged murder

The family of a teenager who died after he was allegedly bashed with a pole has revealed a memorial for the much-loved boy.

A memorial has been erected for the teenager who died after he was allegedly bashed with a metal pole, as tributes and donations continue to pour in.

Aboriginal schoolboy Cassius Turvey, 15, 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.

Police say Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, exited the vehicle and ran towards them, allegedly bashing Cassius with a pole.

Cassius suffered severe head injuries, a seizure and two strokes, ultimately ending up in an induced coma before he died on Sunday.

His family has revealed a memorial has since been erected in Middle Swan for Cassius.

“RIP Cassius. Forever 15,” it reads.

A memorial has been erected for Cassius. Picture: Facebook

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

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said in a statement late on Wednesday that his thoughts were with the family at this terrible time.

“The investigation into Cassius’ death is ongoing, and Homicide Squad detectives are building a picture of circumstances leading up to the attack,” he said.

“At this stage, it appears Cassius was an innocent victim of a violent attack. He was simply spending time with his friends when he was assaulted.

“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.

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

Premier Mark McGowan described Cassius as a “beautiful” boy.

“It’s extremely sad … I just feel so much for the family of that little boy; he looked like a beautiful little boy,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“They are going through a lot and it’s unimaginable, really.

“I just urge everyone to let the law run its course.”

Cassius Turvey’s family is demanding justice.

Mr McGowan also urged people not to speculate about the incident.

“It’s before the courts, courts will decide these things,” he said.

“You don’t want to intervene in these things. You’ve seen something happen over east today whereby people say or do something they shouldn’t and trials are abandoned.

“I’m not going to do that, so I’ll just say, a beautiful kid, a terrible tragedy, a family that’s grieving, let’s let the law run its course.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said he had reached out to the Turvey family and would attend a vigil on Monday.

Police Minister Paul Papalia described the boy’s death as an “absolute tragedy”.

“By all reports, Cassius was a lovely boy. I can’t imagine what his mum and family are going through,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for the teenager.

One relative posted on social media, saying they did not know how to cope with their loss.

“I hold my own babies a little longer. I remember when you were a baby, right up until you became a lovely young man,” they wrote.

“You gave everything and anything a go; shame was not in your being.

“I remember even taking you to school a few times, packed your lunch – always Vegemite sandwiches and you always wanted it spread right to the edges of the crust.

“You loved to dance and make people laugh. It was infectious.”

More than $293,000 has been raised so far via a GoFundMe page for the family.

Tributes have continued to pour in for Cassius Turvey.

Strangers have also shared tributes for the boy alongside their donations.

“I lost my eldest son to a bicycle accident. No amount of money can compensate for the loss of a child. I am so sorry for your loss,” one person wrote.

In a statement on Wednesday, 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.”

Mr Brearley was initially charged with unlawful wounding, but the charge was later upgraded to murder.

He will next face Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on November 9.

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

It has not been revealed whether police have since located the pole.

Mr Brearley’s girlfriend was reportedly driving the utility and has been questioned by police.

Several other people have also been questioned during the investigation but no further charges have been laid.

Originally published as Memorial for teenager Cassius Turvey after alleged murder