Bunbury candlelight vigil for schoolboy Cassius Turvey held in unison with events around Australia

The alleged murder of schoolboy Cassius Turvey in Perth’s hills has sent shockwaves throughout the country, prompting the family and loved ones in Bunbury to hold a candlelight vigil to honour the 15-year-old.

The event is one of hundreds of vigils being held to honour the bright young schoolboy across Australia, including Albany, Onslow and Broome, with simultaneous events being held around Australia in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin.

Cassius died from severe injuries 10 days after he was allegedly brutally bashed by a group of older males as he walked home from school with friends in Middle Swan on October 13.

The outpouring of grief from across the world, plus strong family ties to the South West, prompted Bunbury community leaders and Aboriginal elders to organise the event to honour Cassius.

The vigil will be held at the Graham Bicknell Memorial Music Shell in Bunbury at 6pm on Wednesday, another vigil being held at the same time at the Busselton Foreshore Amphitheatre.

Hundreds of people have already registered for these South West events, which are forming part of a growing number of vigils being held across the country to honour Cassius and pay respects to his family and loved ones.

Bunbury event organisers, Yaka Dandjoo Events, created a Facebook event to get the word out.

“Please join us in solidarity to pay our respects to the family and community of Cassius Turvey and to mourn the tragic loss of an innocent child,” event organisers said.

“Mechelle Turvey wants her son to be remembered as a much loved teenager who loved basketball and football, willing to give anything a go.”

People are asked to bring candles, flowers, signs and something to sit on during the vigil.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said in a statement late on Wednesday that his thoughts were with the family at this terrible time.

“The investigation into Cassius’ death is ongoing, and homicide squad detectives are building a picture of circumstances leading up to the attack,” he said.

“At this stage, it appears Cassius was an innocent victim of a violent attack. He was simply spending time with his friends when he was assaulted.

“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.”

Premier Mark McGowan also expressed his condolences at the loss of a “beautiful” boy.

“It’s extremely sad … I just feel so much for the family of that little boy; he looked like a beautiful little boy,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“They are going through a lot and it’s unimaginable, really. I just urge everyone to let the law run its course.”

Police have charged 21-year-old Jack Steven James Brearley with Cassius’ murder, later charging him with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing linked to a 13-year-old boy who was with Cassius at the time.

Police allege Mr Brearley struck the second boy with a pole, believed to be shopping trolley handle, then stole the boy’s walking crutches and cap.

A candlelight vigil was to be held at Midland Oval on Monday evening in Cassius’ honour, coinciding with Halloween, which was his favourite day of the year.