Andre Zachary Rebelo, 28, is on trial for the murder of his mother, Colleen Rebelo, 58, who was found dead in the shower of her Perth home on May 25, 2020.

The case was reopened when an insurance company suspected fraud in Andre's claims about three months after Colleen's death.

To support his claims, Andre allegedly forged his mother's will, a medical letter, and a cause of death certificate.

The trial is ongoing, with further evidence and testimonies expected to emerge, including cell phone data placing Andre at the scene.

Fabian Rebelo, Andre's younger brother, testified that he found their mother unresponsive in the shower after she failed to pick him up from work.

Despite extensive investigations, the cause of Colleen's death remains undetermined, and her passing was initially not treated as suspicious by emergency services.

At the time of her death, Andre was facing significant financial difficulties, with over $40,000 in personal loan and credit card debt.

Prosecutors suggest that financial desperation and a need to maintain appearances may have motivated Andre to murder his mother.

It is alleged that Andre committed the murder to collect on $1.5 million worth of life insurance policies taken out in Colleen's name shortly before her death.

The court learned that Andre had taken out three life insurance policies on Colleen just days before her death and began processing claims shortly after.

On the first day of the trial, Andre admitted to forging documents but maintains his innocence regarding the murder charges.

Colleen's death and the circumstances surrounding it are central to the prosecution's case, as they argue Andre staged her body to appear as if she had a medical episode.