Andre Rebelo, also known as Andre Zachary Rebelo, has been found guilty of the murder of his mother, Colleen Rebelo, following an intense trial spanning almost eight weeks at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. The jury, after careful consideration of the evidence, delivered their unanimous verdict on Thursday, marking the culmination of a case riddled with allegations of financial deceit and desperation.
Rebelo, 28, was accused of orchestrated his mother's death as part of a plot to cash in on more than $1.2 million worth of life insurance policies he had taken out on her shortly before her untimely demise. Colleen Rebelo, who was only 58 years old at the time, was found deceased under suspicious circumstances at her home in Bicton, Perth, on May 25, 2020.
The trial revealed shocking details about the financial desperation faced by Rebelo and his then-partner, Gracie Piscopo, who is known for her significant online presence and influence. Despite appearing to live a luxurious lifestyle filled with travel and high-end purchases, evidence indicated they were buried under $120,000 of debt.
Colleen's body was discovered by one of her sons and initially, the medical responders did not treat the situation as suspicious, leading to no immediate inquiry. An autopsy was performed, but the cause of death remained undetermined, with no drugs found in her system and no obvious signs of injury.
Prosecutors painted Rebelo as someone who was determined to maintain his and Piscopo's lavish lifestyle at any cost, illustrating the facade they maintained on social media. Testimony during the trial revealed how Rebelo had forged documents to attempt to claim the insurance payouts from multiple companies after his mother’s death.
Three life insurance policies totaling £500,000 (about $1.2 million AU), all naming him as the beneficiary, had been taken out against Colleen's life just days before her passing. Once this insurance plan was discovered, authorities began their investigation, prompted by reports from one of the insurers who noticed discrepancies during the claims process.
Part of the case revolved around claims made by Rebelo—he contended he sought the insurance at his mother’s request, alleging she had approached him to look for coverage to protect their family. Despite his claims of ignorance concerning the cause of his mother’s death, evidence suggested his pursuit of insurance money began immediately after she died.
On the witness stand, Rebelo insisted he did not harm his mother. He attempted to tell the jury of their last conversation and even suggested, without solid evidence, the possibility of suicide, which he believed could void the insurance claims. He maintained this narrative during cross-examination, stating he had proposed discussing the insurance policies with her on the very day she died.
The jury, after reaching their verdict, was reminded of the gravity of the decision they had made. The prosecution successfully argued Rebelo's actions stemmed from dire financial strains and the intoxicant of greed, juxtaposed against the lavish lifestyle they were desperate to uphold on social media platforms.
During the trial, it was noted Rebelo was somewhat unfazed by the verdict. His demeanor remained mostly unchanged, except for an apparent slight shift when the jury delivered their findings. Sentencing is set for April, at which point Rebelo will also face charges related to the fraud involved with the insurance claims—a serious addition to the already damning murder charge.
Piscopo, who shares a five-year-old son with Rebelo, was called as part of the defense’s strategy. She testified to Rebelo’s character, portraying him as seemingly ordinary on the fateful day and stating she hadn’t been privy to their financial troubles.
The case unfolded not just as one of murder, but also as a commentary on the lengths individuals might go to maintain appearances and the dire consequences of financial desperation. Rebelo’s conviction is seen not only as justice for his mother but also as a warning against the risks tied to deception and avarice.