Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

WA Police Commissioner alleges Indigenous teen Cassius Turvey was an 'innocent victim of a violent attack'

WA's Police Commissioner has said it's too early to speculate about the motivation behind the alleged attack on 15-year-old Cassius Turvey.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains an image of a person who has died.

The Noongar teenager died in hospital on Sunday after he was allegedly assaulted on the October 13 in Middle Swan, near Midland.

The family has given the ABC permission to use a photo of Cassius that was taken as he lay in hospital. 

"We're not operating on any principles of racism or motivation at this point," Commissioner Col Blanch told Perth radio station 6PR. 

"It may be a case of mistaken identity, it may be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"But, I wouldn't want anyone in the community to jump to any conclusions at this time, we're still very early in the investigation."

Commissioner Blanch said the investigation into the death of Cassius is still ongoing, and Homicide Squad detectives are building a picture of the circumstances leading up to the attack.

"At this stage it appears Cassius was an innocent victim of a violent attack," Commissioner Blanch alleged. 

"I urge community members to refrain from unfounded speculation regarding this tragic death of a young boy, who was a much loved family member and friend.

"The justice process needs to be allowed to run its course, as does the ongoing investigation."

Earlier this week police charged 21-year-old Jack Steven James Brearley with murder.

He is due to appear at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on November 9.

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe has spoken in parliament about the death and said Aboriginal children should feel safe walking home.

"No black child should fear walking home from school," she said.

"No black mother should wonder if their child will return home.

"We all must fight for a country where First Nations children like Cassius can live out their birthright."

A community barbecue is being held for Cassius on Saturday at Weip Park in Midland.

National vigils are also planned to mark his passing. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.