A jury convicted Paul Caneiro on Friday of killing four relatives and torching their New Jersey home in 2017, in a series of murders prosecutors said was motivated by “greed and desperation.”
Brutal Family Murders Conclude with Conviction
Caneiro, 59, was found guilty of murder, aggravated arson, theft, and other crimes in the deaths of Keith Caneiro, 50, his wife Jennifer, 45, and their children, Jess, 11, and Sophia, 8. The jury reached its verdict after beginning deliberations Friday morning.
Monmouth County Assistant District Attorney Nicole Wallace argued in court that Paul Caneiro’s financial circumstances were a “house of cards” and the driving force behind the killings. The prosecution presented evidence, including DNA, ballistics, and security video, linking Caneiro to the deaths on November 20, 2017.
Defense attorney Monika Mastellone suggested authorities exhibited “tunnel vision” and posited that another sibling, who was not accused in the killings, may have been responsible. She told the jury, “He certainly did not brutally murder the family members that you will hear he loved and cherished and adored so much.”
Authorities found Keith Caneiro’s body in his front yard after responding to a report of a house fire. Jennifer Caneiro was found stabbed to death inside the home. Their two children were similarly stabbed, and Wallace stated they were alive when the house burned, with smoke inhalation contributing to their deaths.
Following the murders, prosecutors said Paul Caneiro attempted to cover up the crimes by setting his own home on fire, making it appear as though the entire family had been targeted. No one in Paul Caneiro’s family was injured in that fire.
The day before the killings, Keith Caneiro confronted his brother about a bank account linked to an irrevocable trust Paul Caneiro had established nearly two decades prior. Keith Caneiro accused his brother of taking money from the account, with Wallace stating Paul Caneiro was charged with stealing $75,000 or more. Keith Caneiro demanded an accounting of the funds, giving Paul Caneiro a deadline of 8 p.m. That night to respond. Paul Caneiro did not respond.
According to Wallace, Paul Caneiro then “began making plans that were executed eight hours later.” Mastellone argued that her client would not commit murder over the alleged theft of tens of thousands of dollars. A pending lawsuit filed by Jennifer Caneiro’s family also included allegations of financial misconduct by Paul Caneiro.
The brothers jointly ran two companies. The lawsuit alleged that Keith Caneiro discovered Paul Caneiro was misappropriating roughly $11,000 per month for personal utilize and claiming it as an insurance reimbursement. Keith Caneiro had reportedly informed his brother of his intention to end their business relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Paul Caneiro convicted of?
Paul Caneiro was convicted of murder, aggravated arson, theft, and other crimes.
What was the prosecution’s motive for the murders?
Prosecutors argued the murders were motivated by “greed and desperation” stemming from Paul Caneiro’s financial circumstances.
Did the defense present an alternative suspect?
The defense attorney suggested another sibling, who was not accused in the killings, may have been responsible.
As Paul Caneiro faces multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole, what impact will this verdict have on the families and communities affected by these tragic events?
