Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains names and images of a deceased person.
Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, tragically died ten days after allegedly being attacked with a metal pole in Perth. Prosecutors claim he was chased down and violently struck in the head on October 13, 2022.
The accused in the murder trial include Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 23, her partner Jack Steven James Brearley, 23, and their friends Brodie Lee Palmer, 29, and Mitchell Colin Forth, 26. The jury has heard testimonies from witnesses regarding the chaotic events that unfolded. One young woman, now 18 but 16 at the time of the incident, recounted how Cassius emerged from bushland, bleeding and in distress, while maintaining he was not injured severely. Despite his insistence, she noticed he had significant injuries, including a severed ear.
Witnesses described incidents leading to the attack, including a group of students who ran into the bush after encountering three men in a ute. Statements allege that these men, described as "white skin," threatened the students, with one of them, referred to as ‘the skinny one’, brandishing a pole.
Another witness detailed being assaulted by a man from the same group, recalling how he was hit in the nose and verbally threatened. Despite being on crutches at the time, he witnessed Cassius lying on the ground, injured.
Prosecutor Ben Stanwix outlined that Brearley supposedly acted out of anger over previous incidents involving damaged property, alleging that he brutally struck Cassius, leading to life-threatening injuries. Witnesses allege that Brearley later boasted about the violence used against Cassius, articulating a misguided sense of vengeance.
The alleged events stemmed from escalating conflicts rooted in a "love triangle" involving Gilmore’s younger brother and social media posts regarding potential confrontations between the youths. Tensions had reportedly risen since October 9, when the accused are said to have unlawfully detained and assaulted two students.
The trial continues in the West Australian Supreme Court as the community seeks justice for Cassius Turvey’s untimely and tragic death.
For anyone needing support, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can reach 13YARN at 13 92 76, while Lifeline can be contacted at 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.