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Aussie influencer in 'utter disbelief' after partner's murder charge

A popular Aussie Instagram influencer whose partner has been accused of killing his mum has revealed she is in a “complete state and of shock and utter disbelief” following his arrest.

Gracie Piscopo had gone quiet on social media since the father of her young son Romeo, Andre Zachary Rebelo, 26, was charged in late November with murdering Colleen Rebelo following a two-year police investigation. Ms Rebelo was found dead in her home in the affluent riverside Perth suburb of Bicton in May, 2020.

Ms Piscopo, who has since deleted all of her photos with Mr Rebelo from her social media, initially broke her silence on November 30, telling The West Australian she is “just focusing on [her] son right now”. At the time it was also reported the mum had “home doctors coming to look after her”.

Andre Zachary Rebelo, 26, and famous Aussie Instagram influencer Gracie Piscopo sitting on their bedroom floor and posing with young son.
Andre Zachary Rebelo, 26, the partner of a famous Aussie Instagram influencer Gracie Piscopo, has been charged with murder. Source: Instagram

On Wednesday night, Ms Piscopo posted a lengthier statement on her Instagram story. She last posted on the platform on November 17.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding for my absence,” she said. “For the past two weeks I have been in a complete state of shock and utter disbelief and I am deeply affected by the events that have unfolded.

“I’m grateful for everyone who has reached out and sent love and support, this has been an extremely difficult time and my focus right now is the wellbeing of my son. Thank you to everyone for also understanding and respecting the need for privacy. Romeo and I will get through this.”

Gracie Piscopo and the statement she released on Instagram.
On Wednesday night, Gracie Piscopo posted a lengthier statement on her Instagram story. Source: Instagram

Mr Rebelo’s life with Ms Piscopo and their young son had been heavily documented online, with photos depicting a glamorous life filled with exotic holidays, designer clothing and fancy cars.

Ms Piscopo boasts more than a million followers on Instagram and hundreds of thousands more on TikTok and YouTube. Her fame flourished following a 2019 modelling campaign stint for Khloe Kardashian’s clothing brand Good American.

WA Police previously said the investigation into Ms Rebelo’s death was a “complex investigation”.

Colleen Rebelo, 58, who was found dead in her home in Bicton in May, 2020.
Colleen Rebelo, 58, was found dead in her home in the affluent riverside Perth suburb of Bicton in May, 2020. Source: 9News

“It’s taken two years to get it to this point, and it’s just an example of how we will not stop until we thoroughly investigate to bring these [investigations] to a conclusion,” homicide detective sergeant Clinton Bragg said.

“The deceased is the mother of the person that was charged but I won’t go into any other details on that relationship. We believe she died at her home.”

Mr Rebelo is due to face the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on December 21.

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