Cassius Turvey has been remembered as a devoted and charismatic friend and family member as his community in Perth lit 15 fire pits to represent a life cut tragically short.
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Hundreds of people gathered at a candlelight vigil on Monday night to mourn the teenager, whose alleged murder has sparked an outpouring of grief and anger.
Cassius, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, was allegedly bashed with a metal pole while walking home from school with friends on October 13.
He suffered serious head injuries and died in hospital 10 days later.
Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, has been charged with his murder and is due to face a Perth court on November 9.
Attendees at the vigil were invited to take gum leaves or branches and add them to 15 smoking fire pits arranged in a circle, each representing a year of Cassius's life.
His mother Mechelle Turvey told the vigil she and her late husband had agonised over what to call the baby boy before his older brother Jay suggested the name Cassius, in a nod to the birth name of boxing great Muhammad Ali.
"That name represents Cassius to the tee," Ms Turvey said.
"He wasn't just strong in the ring. He took his strong words in the community and to the world.
"So many people have said so many things about Cassius but my son is my greatest."
One of Cassius's best friends was in tears as she described how he had always been there for others.
"Cassius was a teddy bear, or as the boys would say, a big friendly giant. He had a big heart, a big brain and big dreams," she said.
"Your name will never be forgotten. It will always be remembered.
"Forever 15, my friend."
Police have said Cassius was walking with friends when they were approached by Brearley, who had been a passenger in a ute.
It's alleged he chased the youths before attacking Cassius with a metal pole.
Detectives have identified four people they believe were inside the ute but are yet to charge anyone else.
Aboriginal leaders in Perth have condemned the "cowardly racist act against an innocent child" and urged authorities to hear their concerns.
Noongar elder Uncle Ben Taylor said Cassius's death had caused enormous sorrow in the community.
"All our hearts are saddened today, crying out in pain," he said during the vigil, which also included choir and dance performances.
Rallies commemorating Cassius's death will be held across the country on Wednesday but Ms Turvey urged attendees not to exploit his passing.
"We know racism exists," she said.
"But do not use my son's tragedy as a platform to blow your trumpets."
Australian Associated Press
