Jobaaj Stories
Perth Man Jailed for Mother's Murder
Andre Rebelo, a 29-year-old Perth man, will spend at least 25 years in prison for the cold-blooded murder of his mother, Colleen Rebelo, in May 2020. The Western Australian Supreme Court described his actions as a "monstrous act" and the "ultimate betrayal," driven by a desperate attempt to maintain a lavish lifestyle funded by his mother's million-dollar life insurance policy.
A Calculated Crime
Justice Bruno Fiannaca detailed Rebelo's elaborate, yet amateurish, scheme. After murdering his mother and staging her death in the shower, he forged documents – including a will, coroner's report, and medical records – in a bid to fraudulently claim the insurance payout. The court heard Rebelo was deeply in debt, over $100,000, with his influencer girlfriend, Grace Piscopo, a fact that fueled his actions. The judge emphasized the profound impact on Rebelo's six-year-old son, who will grow up without his mother and with his father imprisoned.
A Lavish Lifestyle and Deep Debt
The court painted a picture of a carefully curated online persona, where Rebelo and Piscopo projected an image of success through social media. However, behind the facade of luxury holidays and expensive possessions lay a significant financial burden. Justice Fiannaca believed this debt, coupled with pressure to financially support his relationship and a failed attempt at cryptocurrency trading, contributed to his heinous crime. He described Rebelo as deceitful and not a credible witness.
The Aftermath and Family Grief
The sentencing hearing included a victim impact statement from Rebelo's twin sister, Monique, who expressed the family's immense grief and devastation. She described their mother as a devoted and loving person, highlighting the profound impact of her loss. Rebelo’s father, Antonio Rebelo, while expressing his support for his son, admitted that they still didn't fully understand what transpired. Despite the conviction, he stated he didn't believe the jury's decision could be completely relied upon. The judge considered the "desecration" of the family home, where the murder occurred, underscoring the severity of the crime.
Sentence and Future
Rebelo received a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility. While he received a combined sentence of 13½ years for fraud, it will run concurrently with his murder sentence. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of greed and the shattering impact of matricide.
