Summary of the Cassius Turvey Murder Trial
The tragic case of Cassius Turvey, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, continues to unfold in the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Cassius succumbed to his injuries in hospital ten days following a brutal attack in Perth’s eastern suburbs on October 13, 2022. Prosecutors allege he was pursued, struck to the ground, and then "deliberately hit to the head with a metal pole."
The accused individuals in this case include 23-year-old Aleesha Louise Gilmore, her former partner 24-year-old Jack Steven James Brearley, and two others: Brodie Lee Palmer, 29, and Mitchell Colin Forth, 26. During the trial, evidence emerged that Brearley allegedly attacked Cassius while searching for "kids" after someone had vandalised his car. The charges imply that Forth, Palmer, and Gilmore were aware of Brearley’s intentions and aided in the assault.
Brearley has denied striking Cassius with a pole, arguing he only retaliated in self-defence after being stabbed by Cassius. Conversely, he claims that Palmer dealt the fatal blows, which Palmer refutes.
In testimony, Palmer recounted waiting in his vehicle while Brearley confronted a group of youths outside Gilmore’s residence. Upon hearing Brearley scream for help, claiming he was stabbed, Palmer went into the bush where he discovered Brearley physically confronting Cassius, who was attempting to defend himself on the ground. Palmer described an alarming scene, noting that Cassius was bloodied and pleading, "I’m sorry, I’m sorry."
Despite his attempts to intervene, Palmer stated that Brearley reacted aggressively. He recalled Brearley later expressing fear and a desire to escape, and they soon drove to visit Brearley’s uncle, where concerns arose about fleeing to evade consequences.
Further complicating the aftermath, Palmer revealed that approximately three days post-attack, Brearley and Forth appeared at his home, seeking to silence witnesses to the incident, even brandishing a shotgun during their visit. Palmer felt intimidated and trapped, fearing repercussions if he did not comply or remained silent about their activities, which included a cannabis-growing operation Brearley was involved in.
This ongoing trial reflects the severe impact of violence, particularly affecting Indigenous communities, highlighting the need for ongoing support for those impacted by such tragedies. Resources such as 13YARN and Lifeline are available for those in crisis.