After Swift Guilty Verdict, Paul Caneiro Seeks New Trial in 2018 Killings of Brother’s Family in New Jersey
A New Jersey man convicted of murdering his brother, sister-in-law, and their two young children is seeking a new trial weeks after a jury declared him guilty.
This month, Monmouth County convicted Paul Caneiro of murdering his brother Keith, Jennifer, and their children, Jesse, 11, and Sophia, 8, in 2018. In less than five hours on Feb. 13, the jury convicted him of four murders and other related crimes.
Today, his defense attorneys filed a motion for a new trial. As to court documents, the motion was expected and is mostly procedural. Monika Mastellone and Andy Murray, his lawyers, will argue for a fresh trial in writing by March 16. Briefs from prosecutors are due April 6. The sentencing date is May 12.
On Nov. 20, 2018, authorities responded to fires at two homes in Colts Neck and Ocean Township in the early morning. Investigators found both fires purposefully lit.
During trial, prosecutors said Paul Caneiro killed his brother’s family in their Colts Neck home and set the mansion on fire to erase evidence. After that, he allegedly burned his Ocean Township home to confound investigators and deceive law enforcement.
Prosecution evidence showed Paul Caneiro stole from his brother’s life insurance trust account. They claimed financial motive for the murders, citing Keith Caneiro’s $3 million life insurance policy.
The prosecution claims Paul Caneiro drove his Porsche to his brother’s residence after disconnecting his home security cameras. He was suspected of carrying latex gloves and a pistol. He removed an electrical meter, shut off a backup generator, and waited for his brother to arrive home, according to court testimony.
The prosecution alleged Paul shot Keith Caneiro outside in the yard, including a close-range shot to the back of the head while he was face down in the grass. Inside the home, Jennifer was shot and stabbed. The two kids were repeatedly stabbed.
Trial jurors saw autopsy photos. Sophia was injured lying on her back, apparently defending herself, according to a medical examiner. The vivid evidence energized the courtroom.
Later, investigators found bloody jeans in Paul Caneiro’s basement. According to prosecution testimony, forensic tests found Jesse and Sophia’s DNA on the garment.
The defense claimed that investigators got tunnel vision early in the case and focused only on Paul Caneiro, ignoring other possibilities and circumstances. Corey Caneiro, another sibling, would inherit half of Keith’s $3 million life insurance claim, according to his attorneys. They claimed that officials did not adequately investigate Corey or compare DNA or other data.
Despite those reasons, the jury convicted all key charges by prosecution.
The new trial request does not reverse the conviction. It requests that the court review any legal flaws during the proceedings. Serious criminal trials, including life sentences, sometimes involve such motions. Before deciding whether to uphold the conviction or order additional proceedings, the court will evaluate both sides’ written arguments.
The seriousness of the offenses and the years of delays before the trial have garnered attention in New Jersey. After nearly seven years, the jury decided in hours.
Families of the victims await the court’s next ruling. The new trial motion may determine whether the case continues to a new phase or sentencing in May.
The judge’s review of the defense’s arguments and the prosecution’s answer will determine the outcome of this New Jersey court case.
Sources
Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office
New Jersey Judiciary Court Records
Trial proceedings and official court filings related to State of New Jersey v. Paul Caneiro
