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Jury Convicts Paul Caneiro in 2018 Slayings of Brother’s Family and Arson Plot

Sentencing is set for May 12 after a trial focused on an alleged financial motive tied to an insurance payout.

Overview

  • After a roughly two‑month trial, a Monmouth County jury found Caneiro guilty of four murders, two aggravated arson counts, and weapons offenses.
  • Jurors deliberated about five hours on Friday before delivering the verdict in the Colts Neck case.
  • Prosecutors said Caneiro disabled home surveillance, hid clothing with his niece’s blood, and used gasoline, then set his own Ocean Township house on fire to suggest he was also a target.
  • Victims were Keith Caneiro, 50; his wife, Jennifer, 45; and their children, Jesse, 11, and Sophia, 8; Keith was found shot outside the burning Colts Neck home, while the others were stabbed and Jennifer was also shot.
  • Caneiro faces a potential life sentence on May 12, as his defense continues to argue investigators had tunnel vision and notes post‑trial options, including motions and an appeal window identified by the court.