Cassius Turvey: Three more charged in alleged murder of Australian teen coming home from school


Brisbane, Australia
CNN

Three others have been charged in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old boy who died after suffering head injuries while walking home from school with a group of friends.

Cassius Turvey died in hospital 10 days after the alleged attack in the Perth suburb of Western Australia last October.

Aboriginal communities have been devastated by the teenager’s death, with vigils held across Australia calling for “justice for Cassius”.

In October, the first murder charges were filed against Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, who is accused of assaulting Cassius with a metal pole.

Three other people accused of murder – Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 20, Mitchell Colin Forth, 24 and Brodie Lee Palmer, 27 – appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, the Australian public broadcaster ABC reported.

None of the four defendants entered a plea and are next due to appear in court on March 29.

In the days following Cassius’ death, as outrage mounted over theories about the motives behind the alleged attack, WA Police Commissioner Cole Blanche issued a statement urging the community to “avoid unfounded speculation.” “.

Cassius' mother, Mechelle Turvey, attends her son's rally in Perth, Australia, on November 2, 2022.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by supporters of his family, Cassius was rushed to the hospital immediately after the attack with wounds to his ear and forehead and stayed for five days before being released.

Within hours of being released from the hospital, Cassius suffered a seizure and suffered two strokes, and died on October 23 surrounded by his family.

Since its inception last October, thousands of people have donated to the GoFundMe page, raising more than $500,000—nearly triple its goal.

Cassius’ mother Mechelle Turvey, who heard the charges read out in court on Friday, issued a statement thanking the family’s supporters.

“On behalf of Cassius’ loved ones, we once again thank everyone for their support,” the statement said. “The news of the indictment of 3 more people is another step towards justice and healing for many.”

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