A former cryptocurrency trader accused of killing his mother pleaded guilty to fraud in the Washington Supreme Court.
Andre Zachary Rebelo He is on trial for the murder of his 58-year-old mother Colleen Rebelo.
Ms Rebelo’s body was found by police at her home in Bicton, south-west of Perth, in May 2020.
His son was charged with his murder, as well as falsifying several documents in an attempt to defraud.
Rebelo pleaded guilty to fraud charges but maintained his innocence in connection with the alleged murder of his mother.
A jury will now be asked to determine whether Rebelo murdered his mother in a trial expected to last about seven weeks.
Judge Bruno Fiannaca said that despite Rebelo’s statement, the forgery charges were related to the murder and would be an issue during the trial as evidence was heard.
Andre Zachary Rebelo (pictured with his ex-partner, model Gracie Piscopo) pleaded guilty to fraud charges that prosecutors say are related to the alleged murder of his mother.
Police found Ms Robelo’s body (pictured) at her home in Bicton, Perth, in 2020 and initially ruled her death not suspicious until the fraud investigation led to her arrest in 2023.
He said that while a trial was no longer necessary in relation to the fraud charges, it would help the court to have all the charges contained in the original indictment.
State’s Attorney Brett Tooker is expected to begin his opening statement Thursday.
The trial continues.