The eldest brother of a Perth man accused of killing their mother has flown to WA from Europe to give evidence about the 28-year-old’s “surprising” involvement in her estate in the weeks after her death.
Andre Rebelo is on trial over the death of Colleen Rebelo, 58, who died suddenly at her home in Bicton in May, 2020. A coroner has not been able to confirm a cause of death.
Monique, Andre, Fabian, Julian (inset) and Colleen Rebelo, with Grace Piscopo (centre). Credit: Digitally altered image/pictures supplied
Andre denies killing his mother, but has admitted faking documents including her will and medical documentation requested by a life insurance company to release a policy worth $500,000. The policy was one of three Andre took out in Ms Rebelo’s name in the days before her death.
In the WA Supreme Court on Monday, Julian Rebelo, the oldest of Ms Rebelo’s four children, told a jury he had no idea his brother had created a fake will appointing himself as the executor of her estate, nor that he had taken out the life insurance policies in her name.
Julian, 32, told the court he was the sole executor of his mother’s will, and it was his responsibility to sort through her personal effects and financials after her death.
However, he said on a number of occasions after Ms Rebelo died, Andre stepped forward and made calls and arrangements when it was not his place to do so.
“Did you know that Andre was looking into your mother’s affairs?” state prosecutor Brett Tooker asked Julian on the stand.
“No, this was surprising because he had no reason to be involved and then I found out he was involved,” Julian said.
Did your siblings know you were performing the role of executor? – Yes, I think it was fully clear that I was the executor.
To your knowledge was Andre to play any role? – No, there was no specific role that he was responsible for.
A text message conversation between Andre and his siblings was shown to the jury, in which the 28-year-old admitted speaking to the coroner, inquiring about an unknown life insurance policy, and redirecting his mother’s mail.
“Did anyone lodge mail direction request?” Julian asked in a group chat with his three siblings, Andre, Monique and Fabian a month after their mother’s death.
“No? For what mail?” Monique responded.
Andre replied: “Yeh did yesterday thought it made sense incase there’s mail in a few months and we need to sell the house.
“Do you want it cancelled?
“Did it when I renewed mine from my old rental, maybe a bit spontaneous should have asked.”
The court was also told Andre was communicating with a real estate agent in July 2020 about a potential buyer for his mum’s Bicton home.
Julian told the jury he knew nothing about the potential sale and the home was eventually sold the following year for $1.15 million.
He said there was “no real urgency” to sell, as Colleen had COVID hardship mortgage payment relief on the Bicton property, and no repayments were necessary.
The court heard that each sibling received $126,000 in inheritance after the house sold.
The trial continues.
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