Paul Caneiro convicted of killing brother and family in New Jersey; sentencing set for May 12
A Monmouth County jury on Friday, February 13, 2026, found Paul Caneiro guilty of murdering his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children in Colts Neck and setting fires to cover up the crimes. The 59-year-old was convicted on all 16 counts and now faces life in prison.
Verdict and sentencing
Jurors returned guilty verdicts on four counts of murder and a slate of related charges, including arson, weapons offenses, misapplication of entrusted property, and hindering prosecution. The verdict was delivered at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12 (ET). The court noted that the defense may appeal the verdict and/or file a motion for a new trial by February 23.
How the killings unfolded
The case stems from the November 20, 2018 slayings of Keith Caneiro, 50, his wife Jennifer, 45, and their children Jesse, 11, and Sophia, 8, inside their Colts Neck mansion. Prosecutors said the killer disabled the home’s security system and cut power before the attack and later set the residence ablaze. The state also alleged that after the Colts Neck fire, a second blaze was set at the defendant’s Ocean Township home while his wife and daughters were inside; jurors were shown video of the family on their lawn after escaping those flames.
Key evidence jurors weighed
During deliberations, jurors asked to rewatch surveillance footage that showed a Porsche Macan leaving the defendant’s Ocean Township driveway and returning around the time of the killings. The panel requested that certain frames be paused to view the rear of the vehicle. While the SUV resembled one owned by the defendant, law enforcement witnesses acknowledged they could not identify the driver or determine whether anyone else was inside.
Prosecutors presented forensic evidence they said tied Caneiro to the crime, including clothing recovered from a basement that tested positive for his niece’s blood. Investigators also recovered a gas can in his driveway that the state argued was consistent with arson. Jurors heard a tense audio recording in which Keith pressed Paul about missing funds and demanded login access to an account. The state framed the dispute as part of a broader financial motive involving insurance proceeds and strife within the brothers’ technology business. An email from the night before the murders indicated Keith planned to halt payments to the defendant’s wife until missing money was found.
Defense challenges
Caneiro pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence throughout the trial. The defense contended investigators fixated on him and failed to fully explore other potential suspects, including another brother. On cross-examination, officers conceded they could not place the defendant in the SUV seen on surveillance. The defense also called Caneiro’s daughters, who testified to his devastation upon learning of the deaths. “When they told us everyone died, my dad was really upset and crying. He fell to the floor, and I was just holding him, ” one daughter told jurors.
What happens next
With the guilty verdicts entered, the case moves to sentencing on May 12 (ET), where Caneiro faces multiple life terms. Pre-sentencing motions, including any bid for a new trial, are due by February 23. The case, which has spanned years of investigative and courtroom work, leaves the Colts Neck community and extended family with a measure of legal closure, even as appeals may follow.
