Andre Rebelo, a 28-year-old from Western Australia, has been found guilty of murdering his mother, Colleen Rebelo, to benefit from over $1.5 million in life insurance policies he had covertly taken out in her name.
Colleen Rebelo, 58, was found dead in her Bicton home in May 2020. Despite initial findings that her death was not suspicious, a subsequent investigation revealed inconsistencies, including falsified documents linked to her estate and insurance claims.
The case was decided after an eight-week trial in the WA Supreme Court.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Rebelo – who worked in cryptocurrency and previously as a delivery driver – orchestrated the murder as part of a scheme to claim the life insurance funds.
According to ABC’s report, prosecutor Brett Tooker said Rebelo’s financial difficulties stemmed from his efforts to maintain a luxurious lifestyle portrayed on social media.
The court heard that Rebelo had taken out three insurance policies just days before his mother’s death. Two named him as the sole beneficiary, while the third policy did not specify a beneficiary.
Evidence was presented showing Rebelo made multiple attempts to collect on these policies after her passing, even as suspicions arose.
Rebelo took the stand during the trial, denying any involvement in his mother’s death.
He testified that he visited her on the day of her death and discussed the insurance policies, claiming he left after a brief visit. He also suggested that her death might have been a suicide, explaining that he expedited the insurance claims because he feared suicide would void the policies.
The defence called Gracie Piscopo, a social media influencer and Rebelo’s former partner, who testified that she saw no unusual behaviour from Rebelo on the day of the incident. Piscopo said she was largely unaware of the couple’s financial challenges, as Rebelo managed their money.
However, the prosecution maintained that Rebelo’s mounting debts and desire to sustain an image of affluence motivated the crime.
Tooker described Rebelo’s actions as a deliberate attempt to cover his financial struggles through fraudulent means.
According to ABC’s report, the jury deliberated for two days before delivering the guilty verdict.
Rebelo, who has also pleaded guilty to forging documents related to the case, is scheduled for sentencing next year. He remains in custody.
This case highlights broader issues of insurance fraud, a persistent challenge for insurers globally. Fraudulent claims not only delay legitimate payouts but also increase operational costs, which are often passed on to consumers through higher premiums.
In Australia, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has identified the financial impact of fraud as a key concern. It recently established a dedicated task force to address fraud and scams as part of the industry’s commitment to reducing the risks associated with such activities.
