A Monmouth County jury began hearing evidence Monday in the long-delayed trial of Paul Caneiro, 59, who is accused of murdering his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children before setting fire to two homes in November 2018.
At a Glance
- Paul Caneiro faces multiple murder counts in the 2018 Colts Neck family killings.
- Prosecutors say he stabbed his 45-pound niece 17 times and shot three others.
- Fires were set at both the victims’ mansion and Caneiro’s own house the same day.
- Why it matters: A conviction could bring life without parole and end a case stalled for years by COVID and legal fights.
The Charges and Allegations
Caneiro is charged with more than a dozen counts, including four murders, aggravated arson, theft, and related crimes. Prosecutors contend the rampage was driven by money and executed to cover his tracks.
- Keith Caneiro – brother and business partner, shot and killed
- Jennifer Caneiro – Keith’s wife, stabbed and shot
- Jesse Caneiro – 11-year-old son, stabbed and shot
- Sophia Caneiro – 8-year-old daughter, stabbed 17 times over her 45-pound body
After the killings, authorities say, Caneiro torched the Colts Neck mansion and, hours later, ignited a fire at his Ocean Township home to simulate a broader attack on the family.
Prosecution’s Opening
Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Wallace told jurors the evidence will show Caneiro’s actions were calculated and brutal. She described Sophia’s injuries in graphic detail to underscore the violence inflicted on the youngest victim.
Defense Response
Defense attorney Monika Mastellone countered that her client “did not set any house on fire” and “certainly did not brutally murder the family members that, you will hear, he loved and cherished and adored so much.”
She argued investigators zeroed in on Caneiro early and ignored other potential suspects, including another brother who stood to collect $3 million from Keith’s life insurance policy.
“They did not investigate any other suspects, even obvious ones, and they searched for evidence to support their theory,” Mastellone said.
Delays and Road to Trial
Caneiro has remained in custody since his arrest days after the murders. The case faced repeated setbacks:
- COVID-19 court shutdowns
- Evidentiary disputes
- Changes in legal counsel
Jury selection resumed late last year, culminating in opening statements on January 12.
First Witness
An accountant who spoke with Keith Caneiro the night before the murders testified as the state’s first witness. Jurors heard that the conversation centered on business matters and gave no hint of impending danger.
Courtroom Demeanor
At times during opening statements, Caneiro appeared emotional and was seen wiping his eyes. He sat beside his attorneys in a dark suit, listening as both sides outlined their cases.
What’s Next
Testimony continues Tuesday. Prosecutors expect to call forensic experts, fire investigators, and financial analysts to bolster their timeline. The defense has not said whether Caneiro will take the stand.
The trial is scheduled to run well into March. If convicted on the murder counts alone, Caneiro faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
