WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains names and images of a deceased person.
A woman facing murder charges in connection with the death of an Indigenous teenager reportedly expressed concern for another boy who had allegedly been assaulted by her co-accused. Cassius Turvey, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, succumbed to injuries ten days after he was purportedly chased and struck on the head with a metal pole in Perth on 13 October 2022.
Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 23, along with her boyfriend and two others, is currently on trial in the West Australian Supreme Court for Cassius’ murder. Just days before the fatal incident, the group allegedly attacked another 15-year-old boy, who sustained severe injuries, including a stab wound.
In court, the injured boy’s sister recounted how he returned home badly injured and described a series of messages between Gilmore and her brother, expressing her concern for his wellbeing. She conveyed that Gilmore offered him gifts, including a Nintendo Switch, following the attack.
Prosecutors allege the group had a coordinated intent to harm young people, including Cassius, with Brearley striking him multiple times with a metal pole while pursuing the group in retaliation for smashed car windows.