Tragic Death of Indigenous Teen: A Community’s Outcry
Cassius Turvey, a Noongar Yamatji teenager, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained from a racially motivated attack in Perth’s eastern suburbs on October 13, 2022. Following a brutal beating with a metal pole, Cassius died ten days later in hospital, leaving his family and community in deep sorrow.
During the proceedings in the West Australian Supreme Court, the convicted assailant, Mitchell Colin Forth, aged 27, was found guilty of manslaughter. Cassius’ mother, Mechelle Turvey, expressed the profound impact of her son’s death, depicting him as a "gentle giant" who was well-respected in the community. She highlighted that the aftermath of this violence extends beyond the immediate tragedy, leaving families to grapple with insurmountable pain and trauma.
In her poignant victim impact statement, Mechelle detailed how fear and uncertainty have overshadowed the community that once sought safety. She firmly stated that the motivations behind the attack were racially charged and warned that such acts deeply scar society. "The actions of the accused have torn at the very fabric of our society," she said.
The confrontation leading to Cassius’ death stemmed from an earlier incident unrelated to him; the perpetrators had been seeking retaliation for damaged property. On the day in question, Cassius, accompanied by his peers, found themselves under attack and fled into nearby bushland, where he was ultimately caught and assaulted. Depths of violence were evident as Cassius was struck multiple times, resulting in severe injuries, including a split ear and brain bleeding.
Testimonies revealed that the defendants, who faced a collective of 21 charges, were seeking out youths to confront due to prior altercations, demonstrating a pattern of aggression. While the jury found them guilty of various charges, one defendant was acquitted of murder.
Mechelle’s call for justice highlights the ongoing struggles within communities against the backdrop of racial violence, stressing the urgent need for change and healing. Her son was not merely a victim; he symbolised hope and future for his family. The heart-wrenching loss has shattered their lives, urging society to confront the enduring consequences of racially motivated acts.
In light of these events, the community is urged to seek support, particularly through Indigenous-led crisis services such as 13YARN, which caters specifically to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As the scars of this incident linger, calls for healing and understanding grow ever louder.