Andre Rebelo drops appeal, confirming at least 25-year term for mum's murder

Andre Rebelo, 30, has formally abandoned his appeal, ensuring he will serve at least 25 years in prison for the 2020 killing of his mother, Colleen Rebelo, at their Bicton home. The court had found him guilty of a premeditated, financially motivated murder, noting he forged documents to access three life-insurance policies worth over $1 million. The appeal centered on testimony about the hot-water system, suggesting the timing of death could not align with the prosecution’s timeline, but it was withdrawn on Monday for undisclosed reasons.

Colleen, a mother of four, was discovered dead in her shower by her youngest son, Fabian, hours after the killing. The judge highlighted the fraud element, and Rebelo will be eligible for parole at age 51.