Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest

Warning: this article includes distressing and violent details, as well as the name of a deceased Aboriginal individual.
Mechelle Turvey is enduring the immense grief of losing her son to a horrific act.

Cassius Turvey, a boy belonging to the Noongar Yamatji community, passed away in the hospital 10 days after being purposely struck on the head in Perth’s eastern suburbs on October 13, 2022.

Jack Steven James Brearley, 24, and Brodie Lee Palmer, 29, were convicted in May of murdering the 15-year-old after a mammoth 12-week trial.
Mitchell Colin Forth, 27, who was also on trial in the West Australian Supreme Court for Cassius’ murder, was found guilty of manslaughter.
The victim’s mother, Mechelle Turvey, told the trio’s two-day sentencing hearing her son was a gentle giant who was respected by the community and his death had left her and others traumatised.

“The repercussions of such brutal acts resonate far beyond the direct victims. Families remain shattered, facing the overwhelming anguish of watching a loved one endure suffering,” she expressed to the court on Thursday.
The community wanted a place of safety and trust, but it “now lives under a shadow of fear and uncertainty” after Cassius and the other children were racially vilified, confronted, chased and attacked, Ms Turvey added.
“That’s the truth. If anyone thinks their actions were not racially motivated, many Australians would be left scratching their head,” she said in a victim impact statement.
“The actions of the accused have torn at the very fabric of our society, leaving wounds that will take years, decades, if not lifetimes, to heal and recover.”

Ms. Turvey mentioned that the men found guilty had “celebrated” their offenses, and words alone couldn’t adequately depict the sorrow of losing a cherished person to violence.

“Cassius was not just part of my life,” she said.
“He was my future, my family, my home. The day he was taken from us … my will was shattered.”
The trial heard Brearley delivered the fatal blows while “hunting for kids” because somebody had smashed his car windows.

It was alleged Forth and Palmer aided him in the common purpose, along with Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 23, who was acquitted of a murder charge.

The attack on Cassius in bushland followed a complex series of events that had nothing to do with the victim, the jury heard.
They started four days before the killing when Forth, Brearley, Gilmore and another man who was tried on lesser charges, Ethan Robert MacKenzie, 20, allegedly “snatched two kids off the street” before punching, kicking and stabbing one of them.
Before the attack on Cassius, Brearley and his co-accused allegedly armed themselves with metal poles pulled from shopping trolleys before driving off to search for youths.

About the same time, Cassius and a group of about 20 fellow students caught a bus to the same area to watch a fight being talked about on social media.
Brearley, Forth and Palmer intercepted them near the field, and Cassius and some other “terrified school kids” fled into nearby bushland.
It was there that Brearley caught up with him, the trial heard, before the teen was knocked to the ground and hit in the head with a metal pole.
Cassius was struck at least twice, the impact splitting his ear in half and causing bleeding in his brain.
All told, the five defendants variously faced 21 charges over the events of October 9 and 13.
The jury found them guilty of all except Gilmore’s murder charge and a theft charge faced by Brearley.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Victorian doctors warn strike action looms if pay and conditions not improved

Victorian Doctors Consider Strikes Over Pay and Working Conditions Concerns

Victorian doctors in the public sector have warned they may be forced…
A major superannuation shake-up is set to impact more than 14 million workers but many employers are still in the dark ahead of the July 1 deadline.

New Policy Shift Poised to Affect Over 14 Million Workers

A major superannuation shake-up is set to impact more than 14 million…
One award after another for Oscar front-runner at BAFTAs

BAFTA Triumphs Propel Oscar Front-Runner to Awards Glory

The politically charged thriller, One Battle After Another, has made a notable…
A severe weather warning is in place for heavy rainfall across central Victoria tomorrow.

Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding Predicted to Drench Victoria

Victorians have been warned to brace for severe weather today with thunderstorms,…

Developer Announces Plans for Trump’s Tower on Gold Coast, Set to Become Australia’s Tallest Building

In brief A property developer says he has signed a deal with…
blood moon

Catch the Rare Blood Moon: Essential Viewing Tips for This Celestial Event

There’s a rare blood moon on the horizon the likes of which…
Major US closure could cause chaos for Aussie travellers

US Shutdown May Disrupt Travel Plans for Australians

Global Entry is a US customs program that which offers some Australians…

Premier League Players Face Disturbing Racist Abuse Post-Match

In Brief Some Premier League players copped racist abuse online following weekend…
Sydney to Newcastle high-speed rail to be 'shovel-ready' in two years

High-Speed Rail Link Between Sydney and Newcastle Set to Reach ‘Shovel-Ready’ Status in Two Years

The federal government has poured another $230 billion into planning for a…

Heartache in Afghanistan: Communities Grieve After Pakistan’s Nighttime Air Strikes

In Brief Afghans have gathered around a mass grave to bury villagers…

From Backpacker to Restaurateur: Sammy Jeon’s Journey of Perseverance and Success

“In Korea, there’s a saying that if you can craft a beautifully…
Angus Taylor

New Coalition Strategy to Criminalize Support for Individuals with Islamic State Ties

The Coalition is pushing a new criminal offence to punish those who…