WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are suggested that this text comprises a picture of an individual who has died.
“It took me back to the day when it happened … to when Cassius described the incident and what they looked like,” she instructed reporters exterior courtroom.
“At least I had something under my belt to bring today to give me strength.
“This is only one step ahead to justice for Cassius (and) it is also one step ahead for all of our therapeutic, all of his household.”
The 15-year-old died in hospital 10 days after the alleged assault while he walked home from school with friends in Middle Swan on October 13 last year.
Palmer and Forth appeared in the court, while Gilmore was called by magistrate Sarah Oliver by telephone.
Asked if she understood the charge, Gilmore said “yeah however” before being interrupted by Oliver and told not to speak about her alleged offence.
Gilmore said she had been in hospital and had not yet spoken to a lawyer.
Palmer’s lawyer, Seamus Rafferty, said his client would likely plead not guilty to the charge.
Forth did not speak, but nodded when the magistrate asked if he understood the charge.
Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, is already before the courts on a murder charge over the Noongar Yamatji boy’s death.
It’s alleged the trio was with Brearley when he attacked the teen, who suffered serious head injuries.
Palmer and Forth were remanded in custody, with all three scheduled to reappear in court on March 29, when Brearley is also expected to reappear.
The death of Cassius triggered an outpouring of grief and anger across the nation, with some Indigenous leaders condemning the alleged attack as cowardly and racist.
More than a dozen family and supporters accompanied Ms Turvey to court, with some holding a placard outside court saying “Remembering Cassius”.
“This isn’t just a few courtroom date guys, that is day-after-day for us mob,” she said as her voice broke.
“We stick collectively as a household and as pals and as a neighborhood.”
Cassius has been remembered as a loving son and a role model to his friends. He had started his own lawn mowing business and was invited at age 11 to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country at WA parliament.
