Cassius Turvey died 10 days after being assaulted. Photo: Supplied
Police have laid another two charges against the 21-year-old man accused of murdering West Australian schoolboy Cassius Turvey.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the charges relate to the alleged assault of a 13-year-old who was present when Cassius was allegedly attacked in Middle Swan, in Perth's east.
The 15-year-old died after being struck on the face with a pole allegedly wielded by Jack Steven James Brearley as he was walking with friends after school on 13 October.
Cassius suffered a seizure some days later and, despite multiple surgeries, died last weekend, 10 days after the alleged incident.
Brearley has been charged with murder.
He has now also been charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm as well as stealing the 13-year-old boy's crutches.
Commissioner Blanch said it was "a significant investigation with multiple witnesses".
"The police must get this right," he said.
"We have spoken to all witnesses present ... the investigation is ongoing.
"There may be further charges, but we do have a lot of evidence to be going through."
Cassius's mother remembered her son as a "young leader" who loved family and his school.
Motivation behind attack under investigation
Some Aboriginal communities have questioned whether racism may have been a factor in the incident, but WA Police say the motivation behind the attack is still under investigation.
Blanch released a statement earlier this week urging the community to "refrain from unfounded speculation" about the alleged attack.
He said reports of racial slurs being used during the incident were being investigated, but urged the community not to "pre-empt the facts and evidence".
"I would caution everyone in commenting directly on the motivations of this case. They may be true, but at the end of the day that's for the court to decide," he said.
WA Premier Mark McGowan has also warned against speculation around the nature of the incident, imploring people to "let the law run its course" as the matter is before the courts.
Aboriginal community leaders met on Thursday to voice frustrations over the government and police response following Cassius's death, and criticised a lack of communication between authorities and the community.
Noongar elders call for meeting
Noongar Elders have released a public statement criticising previous comments made by the Commissioner about Cassius potentially being "in the wrong place at the wrong time".
"He was in his school uniform with his friends in broad daylight," the statement attributed to the Noongar Nation read.
"They are minimising this horrific killing of young Cassius.
"This is wrong and dangerous especially as our people are not selected for juries.
"We call on government to meet us now."
Commissioner does not want to risk 'justice for Cassius'
Commissioner Blanch said he could not comment on the nature of the incident without putting "justice for Cassius" at risk, but reinforced the fact that Cassius was "an innocent victim of a violent attack".
"I regret the impact of my words if that's upset the community. Again, my focus is justice for Cassius. Let's focus on that as a community," he said.
"I want to join the public debate about racism in our community.
"It is a real thing and it's something I have invested significantly in opposing and fighting ... that's why I cannot speak any more about this investigation because I will be putting that at risk."
The commissioner said WA police were dedicated to doing everything they could to "stamp out racism".
"That's the clear message from me. I absolutely oppose racism in this community. But, I also want to make sure we all get justice for Cassius."
A community barbecue will be held tomorrow in Midland to honour the teenager's life and vigils are planned around the country on 2 November.
- ABC
