Summary of the Case Involving the Death of Cassius Turvey
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains an image of a deceased person.
In a recent court case, Jack Steven James Brearley, 24, has been accused of murdering Indigenous teenager Cassius Turvey, who was only 15 years old. The tragic incident occurred in Perth’s eastern suburbs on October 13, 2022, reportedly following damage to Brearley’s car windows.
Brearley asserts that he is not guilty of the charges and claims he did not strike Turvey with a metal pole, which ultimately led to the teenager’s death in hospital ten days later. He accused his co-accused, Brodie Lee Palmer, 29, of delivering the fatal blows. Brearley has expressed fears regarding Palmer, stating that after the alleged attack, Palmer threatened him, warning he would end up in a "body bag" should he discuss the incident.
At the same time, Palmer’s lawyer, Christian Porter, has accused Brearley of dishonesty, suggesting he fabricated his account to evade culpability. Porter challenged Brearley about reports that he had visited Palmer’s house, allegedly at two in the morning, donning a balaclava and carrying a shotgun. Brearley denied these allegations.
Brearley’s girlfriend, Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 23, and a co-worker, Mitchell Colin Forth, 26, are also facing charges related to the murder. The prosecution argues that Brearley actively pursued Turvey and attacked him as part of a vendetta for the vandalism, claiming that Forth, Palmer and Gilmore were aware of his intentions before the assault.
Evidence presented includes a phone call recorded when Brearley was in custody, in which he expressed disbelief over his co-accused allegedly turning against him. Brearley’s father advised him to stay honest with his solicitor and mentioned that his co-accused’s lies would eventually unravel. Brearley, distressed during the conversation, reiterated his innocence, emphatically stating, “I didn’t do shit, mate.” He claimed he was not outside the vehicle that Palmer supposedly drove to the scene when Turvey was attacked, insisting he remained in the car while others left.
As the trial unfolds, the jury is presented with conflicting testimonies and evidence regarding the events that led to Cassius Turvey’s untimely death. The complexity of the case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding violence and justice in Australian society, particularly regarding Indigenous communities.
For support related to crisis issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can contact 13YARN (13 92 76), while others can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyond blue at 1300 22 4636.