A 15-Year-Old Indigenous Boy Has Died In Hospital After A Vicious, Unprovoked Attack In Perth

A man has been charged with murder after allegedly attacking 15-year-old Indigenous boy Cassius Turvey on his way home from school in Perth.

— Content Warning: This article discusses distressing topics, and contains the name of an Indigenous boy who has died. — 

The Year 9 student was approached on Thursday, October 13 by the unnamed man, who presumed the teenager was responsible for damage to his vehicle the day prior. Police say a passenger in the car approaching Turvey shouted out “run” to the boy and his friends, before catching up with the group.

“The men were aware Cassius was underage, as he was wearing his school uniform,” read a statement from his family.

They proceeded to attack Turvey with a metal pole, causing a laceration to his ear and forehead, for which he was immediately transported to a hospital to treat his head injuries.

I'm so drained, I cry for the beautiful boy that was Cassius Turvey, for his life lost, for his family, for our community and for my people. He was terrorised before his death and all we can ever do is cry because nobody seems to care enough when it's our people.

— Karla Hart (@KarlaHart01) October 25, 2022

Scans showed there were two bleeds on his brain, but in the days following being discharged from a children’s hospital, an ambulance was called after Turvey experienced a seizure which left him in a medically induced coma.

A later scan showed Turvey had sustained further internal bleeding, which caused a stroke on both lobes of the brain, his family said.

On Sunday, October 23, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

“It is a very tough time for his family, as we only buried his father one month ago from losing his battle from cancer,” they said.

My heart goes out to the family of Cassius Turvey. I can’t imagine the thought of a loved one being taken from me by a racist with a metal pole.

The racist is a murderer. But the racism of the Australian public is also complicit for creating the environment for this to happen

— Hayley McQuire (@HayleyMcQuire) October 25, 2022

“I’m heartbroken for my son … for no reason, I’ve lost him,” said Turvey’s mother, Mechelle Turvey on Monday. “I’m just appalled at some of the violence going on in our communities. Whether these young kids are black or white, it doesn’t make any difference.”

Police have not confirmed if they are investigating anyone else in relation to the alleged attack, but are looking into the assault of a second boy who was with Turvey on the day.

The 21-year-old man who was charged on Monday will reappear in court in November.

A fundraiser to support Turvey’s family during this difficult time has been established, and the community is preparing multiple vigils nationwide on November 2.

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Media statement from the Turvey family:

“Our hearts are absolutely shattered following the senseless and unprovoked attack on Cassius. There are no words that can describe the unimaginable pain of losing a son, let alone after he endured such a horrific attack. 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. Cassius was a 15 year old proud Noongar boy and we will do everything we can to make sure there is justice for Cassius and our family.”

“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. We ask that everyone who can 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,” said Mechelle Turvey, Cassius Turvey’s mother.