Photos: Thousands demand justice for Cassius Turvey

More than 10,000 people across the country had come out to vigils to commemorate the life of 15-year-old Noongar man Cassius Turvey, who was killed on his way home from school. 

Huge crowds gathered for more than 40 vigils in major cities and small towns to show solidarity with the Turvey family and send a message that racist violence is never acceptable.

People lit candles and held signs that read "Justice for Cassius" and listened to family members and First Nations leaders and activists express their grief and anger over the killing.

Speakers told stories about Cassius, a boy who was inspiring to his friends, a hard worker and a well-loved member of his community.

Cassius is the latest of thousands of First Nations people whose lives have been cut short, due to systemic racism. In addition, more than 500 First Nations people have died in custody since the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

More needs to be done to stop the killings and ensure that young First Nations people are safe on their own land.