The mother of a 15-year-old Perth boy who died after allegedly being attacked while walking home from school is demanding justice for her “beautiful” son.
Cassius Turvey was walking down Patterson Drive in Middle Swan with friends in school uniform around 4.30 p.m. on October 13 when he was allegedly attacked with a weapon by a group of men, as per 7 News reported.
His family claims it was a mistaken identity, claiming the group falsely accused the schoolboys of smashing car windows.
A passenger then allegedly shouted “run” at the boys before trying to chase Cassius down and trying to attack him with a metal pole.
Cassius was taken to St John of God Midland Hospital with severe head injuries before being transferred to Perth Children’s Hospital with two brain injuries.
He was released after five days but returned to the hospital just hours later after having seizures and two strokes. He died on Sunday after being placed in an induced coma.
“I’m heartbroken for my son … for no reason, I’ve lost him,” Cassius’ devastated mum Mechelle Turvey said on Monday.
“I’m just appalled at some of the violence going on in our communities. Whether these young kids are black or white, it doesn’t make any difference.”
Turvey revealed that the family had only buried Cassius’ father a month ago after he died of cancer. Cassius’ friend’s mother, who witnessed the alleged attack, says her son is deeply traumatized.
“He’s not doing well at all, it was his best mate,” Emily Farmer said. “They are all together at the moment just trying to get through it … this is one of a mother’s worst nightmares.”
While Turvey thinks her family will never get justice for Cassius’ death, she is calling for an end to violence. “Rethink what you’re going to do with your hands and your weapons,” she said.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support Cassius’ family. Turvey hopes that others accused of misconduct will be held accountable. WA Police initially charged Jack Brearley with unlawful wounding but later upgraded the charge to murder on Monday.
The 21-year-old appeared in Midland Magistrates Court on Monday and was remanded in custody to appear in November.
According to Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal, police are still investigating the attack and have not ruled out making further arrests for other possible attacks.