Perth, Australia – A man is accused of murdering his mother to gain access to her life insurance policy, prosecutors alleged in a Perth court on Thursday. Andre Rebelo, 27, is facing trial in October for the murder of Colleen Rebelo in May 2020, with proceedings expected to last for seven weeks. Her body was found in her home in the riverside suburb of Bicton, and it wasn’t until two years later that her son was charged. Rebelo is also facing charges for forging records.
The prosecutor revealed that much of the evidence at the trial would focus on Rebelo’s financial situation, described as “very poor” at the time. It is alleged that the motive for the murder was to gain access to his mother’s life insurance policy. The cause of Colleen Rebelo’s death could not be ascertained.
Furthermore, evidence is still being gathered in preparation for the trial, including details of Rebelo’s financial position, phone records, and mobile phone data. A financial analyst is also preparing a report expected to be completed by June. The trial, initially set for five weeks, is now expected to last for seven weeks, running until early December. Rebelo, who appeared in court via video link from prison, has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance in June.
This case has garnered significant attention and has raised questions about financial motivations for violent crimes and the impact on the victims’ families. The trial is expected to shed light on the complexities of the case and provide closure for the community. As the proceedings unfold, more details about the case are anticipated to emerge, shedding light on this tragic incident and its aftermath.