Prosecutor Responds to Guilty Verdict in Paul Caneiro Murder Trial

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago addresses media after jury convicts Caneiro on all charges.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago held a press conference outside the courthouse in Freehold, New Jersey to respond to the guilty verdict in the Paul Caneiro quadruple murder trial. Caneiro was convicted on all charges for the killings of his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children in their Colts Neck home in 2018.

Why it matters

The Caneiro case was one of the most high-profile murder trials in New Jersey in recent years, drawing significant media attention. The prosecutor's remarks provide insight into the investigation and prosecution of the case, as well as the impact on the local community.

The details

Caneiro was found guilty of four counts of first-degree murder, as well as arson, theft, and other charges related to the killings of his brother Keith Caneiro, Keith's wife Jennifer, and their two young children. Prosecutors argued that Caneiro murdered his family members and then set their home on fire in an attempt to cover up the crimes.

  • The murders occurred in November 2018 in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
  • The trial began in January 2026 and the jury reached a guilty verdict on February 14, 2026.

The players

Raymond Santiago

Monmouth County Prosecutor who oversaw the prosecution of Paul Caneiro.

Paul Caneiro

Convicted of murdering his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold accountable those who commit the most heinous of crimes against innocent victims, especially children.”

— Raymond Santiago, Monmouth County Prosecutor (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 guilty verdict in the Caneiro murder trial brings a measure of justice for the victims' families, but also highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing and prosecuting domestic violence cases that tragically escalate to homicide.