Cassius Turvey killing: mother questions why police took only a brief statement before he died

The grieving mother of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey, killed in an alleged violent attack in Perth, has paid tribute to her son while questioning why police took only a brief statement from the schoolboy before he died in hospital.

Cassius was much loved and his mother said his loss has left the family and broader community grieving, in shock and angry.

She said she was frustrated that police, apart from taking a brief statement from Cassius the night he was admitted to hospital, did not take a further statement from him before he died.

She said she expects to meet with WA police commissioner, Col Blanch, in the coming days and would raise this with him.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder after the alleged attack when Turvey and his friends were walking home from school in Middle Swan, on 13 October. Western Australian police have said they are investigating allegations of racial slurs being used, but have made clear they are not speculating about any reasons for the alleged murder. They have said they believe a metal pole was used in the assault.

He was in hospital for five days before doctors told the family he would not be able to survive.

Turvey said she was overwhelmed by the love and support from across the country, with cities and towns all planning to hold vigils and rallies for the family in coming days to echo their calls for justice.

Rallies to support the grieving family are planned for 2 November in Perth and the regional WA towns of Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Broome, Newman and Tom Price.

Actions are planned on the same day in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Townsville, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Darwin.

Turvey said that allegations that the attack may have been racially motivated must be properly investigated by police to find out whether her son and the boys were targeted as young Aboriginals.

WA Police have been contacted for further comment.