Daughter Describes Emotional Reaction as New Jersey Murder Trial Nears Closing Arguments
In a Monmouth County courtroom this week, the daughter of a man suspected of a 2018 triple homicide revealed how her father responded when he discovered his brother’s family had been slaughtered. The emotional testimony came as the defense rested its case in the high-profile New Jersey murder trial.
Paul Caneiro is accused of murdering his brother Keith, Jennifer, and their children Jesse and Sophia. The 2018 fatalities stunned the town and have riveted public attention throughout the trial, which has reached its conclusion after two weeks of testimony.
Marissa Caneiro testified for the defense on Tuesday. She told jurors she was with her father in a police station conference room when Keith Caneiro’s family was found dead. Her testimony says the news shattered him.
Marissa said her father knelt and cried desperately. She said she held him on the floor as he cried. She testified that he appeared distraught after learning of the killings.
Her few-minute testimony was crucial for the defense. On day 17 of trial, defense attorneys stated they were resting their case.
The judge also learned that Paul Caneiro would not testify in his own defense. Criminal defendants have the constitutional right not to testify, and jurors are directed not to consider that evidence of guilt.
The prosecution said they would not bring rebuttal witnesses. This means Corey Caneiro, the third Caneiro brother, will not testify. The defense had expressed suspicion toward Corey during the trial, but no rebuttal testimony was planned, ending the evidence phase.
The terrible deaths and family links have garnered attention in Monmouth County and beyond. Both sides presented their cases to jurors for weeks.
Closing arguments are set to begin Wednesday after testimony. Both attorneys will outline the evidence and explain to jurors why they believe it supports a conviction or acquittal during closing comments.
After closing statements, the judge will brief the jury on the law before deliberations. The jury will decide if the prosecution proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The jurors will decide the trial’s outcome after considering the testimony and evidence.
Sources
Monmouth County Superior Court proceedings
Courtroom testimony reported during trial coverage
