New Jersey murder suspect Paul Caneiro showered his hidden girlfriend with presents, according to testimony.

Charges Against New Jersey Engineer for Family Murders

A New Jersey engineer, Paul Caneiro, is facing murder charges after allegedly killing his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children. This shocking incident reportedly stemmed from financial pressures linked to his secret girlfriend, Isel Restrepo, who testified about their lavish lifestyle in court.

Caneiro, 59, a father who has been struggling financially, shared with jurors in Monmouth County Superior Court that while on a luxury vacation with Restrepo, he spent a considerable amount on luxury vehicles, including three Porsches. Restrepo, 51, revealed the extent of their relationship and how Caneiro financially supported her, although jurors were not allowed to hear specifics about their physical relationship.

Restrepo testified, through a Spanish interpreter, that Caneiro funded multiple trips for her, including visits to his home country, as well as excursions to places like Las Vegas and New York. He even splurged on a new luxury SUV, an Audi Q5.

When questioned by Caneiro’s lawyer, MONICA MASTELLONE, Restrepo affirmed that she had no negative comments about him. She recalled the last time they were together, celebrating her daughter’s birthday shortly before the murders.

Prosecutors alleged Caneiro shot his brother Keith, 50, after a confrontation about $78,000 Keith claimed was stolen. Both brothers co-owned a struggling high-tech company and extermination business, with Caneiro leading a lifestyle beyond his means. This financial strain, exacerbated by his payments to Restrepo, added to the pressure, they asserted.

If the entire family perished, Caneiro and his son Corey stood to gain a sizable life insurance payout of $3 million from Keith’s policy. Enraged by the confrontation, Caneiro allegedly ambushed Keith on November 20, 2018, attacking him as he checked on a power outage at his home.

The violence escalated as Caneiro is accused of also killing Keith’s family members, including their 11-year-old nephew Jesse and 8-year-old niece Sophia. After the murders, he reportedly attempted to cover up the crime by starting a fire in the mansion and returning to his own home, allegedly to make it appear that he was a target as well.

On the same day, one of Keith’s neighbors discovered his body outside the burning house. In a chilling 911 call, plastic surgeon Boris Volshteyn described the horrific scene, exclaiming, “This is a corpse. Someone is dead here.”