[ad_1]
The family of a Perth teenager who was allegedly killed in a horrific attack on his way home from school have revealed how they will spend more than $500,000 raised through crowdfunding.
Aboriginal boy Cassius Turvey, 15, and his friends had just got off the bus and were walking along Patterson Drive in Middle Swan around 4.30pm on October 13 when a black Ford Ranger allegedly pulled up alongside them.
Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, got out of the car and ran toward them, allegedly hitting Cassius with a metal pole, police said. He died 10 days later in the hospital from a severe head injury.
A GoFundMe page set up by his cousin, Michelle Wighton, has raised more than $503,000 from more than 12,000 individual donations.
“Thank you to every single person who donated to our fundraiser, shared this and offered to help,” she wrote on Monday.
“Our family has been overwhelmed by the generosity of people across the country and it is comforting as we continue to miss Cassius.
“Anyone who wishes to show further support, we invite you to attend one of the rallies or rallies taking place across the country calling for justice for Cassius.”
Ms Wighton said the money would initially be used for funerals and funeral expenses.
“In addition, they will be charged with legal costs — and a potentially expensive legal battle — as our family continues to fight for justice for Cassius,” she said.
“Ultimately, any additional funds will be used to support local youth and give back to the local community where Cassius lived and grew up, and this will be done in Cassius’ name.”
Tributes continued to flow to Cassius, including from strangers.
“My mother passed away two weeks ago but I can’t stop thinking about Cassius, so young and so full of life,” one person wrote on Monday.
“I know that mommy is up there in heaven with her arms around him. RIP the lovely Cassius.”
Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil will be held in the boy’s honor at Midland Oval on Monday night to coincide with Halloween, which was his favorite day of the year.
Attendees are asked to wear their best scary costumes.
Earlier, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Booty said he would attend the event.
Vigils will also be held in the community of Warmun, Northam, Moora and Geraldton.
Other events will take place across the country on Wednesday.
Mr. Brearley was accused of murdering Cassius.
He was also charged with aggravated assault causing bodily harm and theft related to a 13-year-old boy who was with Cassius at the time.
Police say Mr Brearley hit the boy with a pole, believed to be the handle of a shopping cart, before stealing the boy’s crutches and hat.
Mr Brearley will appear at Stirling Gardens Magistrates’ Court on November 9.
[ad_2]
Source link