> At a Glance
> – Paul Caneiro, 59, faces trial for murder, arson and theft after killing his brother and family on Nov 20 2018.
> – He could receive life without parole on the murder charge.
> – Jury selection starts Monday in Monmouth County.
> – Why it matters: The case highlights a brutal family-business feud over money and the legal battle over evidence.
Jury selection will begin Monday for the highly publicized trial of Paul Caneiro, a 59-year-old accused of murdering his brother Keith Caneiro and the rest of the Caneiro family in a 2018 arson-murder plot. The prosecution alleges that the fires were staged to create an illusion that the family was targeted, while the defense insists on his innocence and a fair trial after seven years of pre-trial proceedings.
Trial Overview
The trial, set to last several weeks, will cover more than a dozen counts, including murder, aggravated arson, theft, and other related offenses. If convicted, the murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni described the case as one of the most brutal he has seen, citing the deliberate setting of two houses on fire and the multiple shootings and stabbings that followed.
Christopher J. Gramiccioni stated:
> “This is one of the most brutal cases that I’ve seen in my experience here.”
- Predawn fire at Paul’s Ocean Township home at 5:01 a.m. on Nov 20 2018.
- Seven hours later, a fire at Keith’s home resulted in the deaths of Keith, his wife Jennifer, 11-year-old Jesse, 8-year-old Sophia, and the shooting of Paul’s wife’s relatives.
- Paul was arrested on Nov 20 2018 for aggravated arson and later charged with the killings.
Motive and Financial Turmoil
Investigators uncovered a likely motive tied to money. A 2021 lawsuit filed by Jennifer’s family alleged that Paul had stolen approximately $11,000 per month from the brothers’ pest-control and IT consulting businesses, and had misappropriated $75,000 from Keith and his wife.
- Paul’s 2012 car accident allegedly changed his demeanor and led to questions about pain-medication addiction.
- On Nov 17 2018, Keith warned that Paul had stolen $90,000 set aside for the children’s college tuition and cut off Paul’s $225,000 annual salary.
- After Paul’s arrest, Corey, the third brother, allegedly helped install himself as trustee of the family trust and used life-insurance proceeds to buy a $1.8 million home.
Legal Challenges to Evidence
The defense has sought to exclude evidence, arguing that the DNA analysis tool STRmix was not properly vetted and that electronic evidence was obtained without a warrant. Judge Marc Lemieux rejected the DNA claim but agreed that the home security system was seized improperly.
A June ruling declared the security-system footage off-limits, but the state’s high court later overruled the lower court, allowing the evidence to be used in trial.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 20 2018, 5:01 a.m. | Predawn fire at Paul’s home |
| Nov 20 2018, 12:00 p.m. | Fire at Keith’s home; multiple killings |
| Nov 20 2018 | Paul arrested for aggravated arson |
| 2024 | Hearing on DNA tool STRmix |
| June 2024 | Ruling on security-system evidence |
| 2024 | High-court appeal overruled lower court |
The timeline illustrates how the events unfolded over the course of a single day, followed by years of legal wrangling.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Caneiro faces a life sentence without parole if convicted of murder.
- The case centers on a family feud over money and alleged financial misconduct.
- Legal battles over evidence have highlighted procedural disputes in criminal trials.
As jury selection opens, the trial will bring to light the brutal intersection of family loyalty, financial greed, and the pursuit of justice.
Defense team stated:
> “Mr. Caneiro remains patient and resolute as well as deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his close family and friends who continue to stand by him.”
