Paul Caneiro Found Guilty on All Counts in Colts Neck Murder Trial

The New Jersey man was convicted for the 2018 killings of his brother and his brother's family.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Paul Caneiro, a New Jersey resident, has been found guilty on all charges related to the 2018 murders of his brother Keith Caneiro, Keith's wife Jennifer, and their two children at their Colts Neck home. The high-profile trial concluded with the jury convicting Caneiro on four counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges of aggravated arson and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Why it matters

The Caneiro family murders shocked the local community and drew national attention. The guilty verdict brings a measure of closure, though the horrific nature of the crimes has left a lasting impact. The case also highlighted issues around family dynamics, mental health, and the ongoing challenges of prosecuting complex murder cases.

The details

Prosecutors argued that Paul Caneiro killed his brother Keith, Keith's wife Jennifer, and their two young children in a premeditated attack at the family's Colts Neck home. They alleged that Paul then set the house on fire in an attempt to cover up the murders. Evidence presented at trial included surveillance footage, financial records, and testimony from witnesses who described tensions between the two brothers' businesses.

  • The murders took place on November 20, 2018.
  • The trial began in January 2026 and concluded with the guilty verdict on February 13, 2026.

The players

Paul Caneiro

The defendant, who was convicted of murdering his brother and his brother's family.

Keith Caneiro

The victim, Paul Caneiro's brother, who was killed along with his wife and two children.

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What they’re saying

“This was a horrific crime that devastated an entire community. We are grateful that justice has been served.”

— Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni (app.com)

What’s next

Caneiro will be sentenced at a later date, where he is expected to receive life in prison.

The takeaway

The Caneiro family murders highlight the tragic consequences that can arise from unresolved family conflicts and the importance of addressing mental health issues before they escalate to violence.