Trial of Paul Caneiro Nears Conclusion

The high-profile trial of Paul Caneiro, charged with the brutal murder of his brother and his family, is wrapping up on Thursday. Prosecutors have dismissed the defense’s theory as “far-fetched,” suggesting that a third brother may have been involved in the crime.

During closing arguments in Monmouth County Court, Paul Caneiro’s defense lawyer, 59, proposed that Cory Caneiro, their other brother, could be the actual killer of Keith Caneiro, his wife, and their children, who were found dead on November 20, 2018.

Notably, if Paul is found guilty of murder, Cory, who is 52, would inherit Keith’s $3 million family trust, as pointed out by defense attorney Monica Mastellone.

However, prosecutor Chris Decker argued that Cory Caneiro had no credible motive or evidence against him, stating that nothing indicated he should be viewed as a suspect.

Decker emphasized that Cory was unaware he would become a “contingent beneficiary,” meaning he would stand to inherit from Keith and his family if they were to die. He also mentioned that Paul, assigned to manage Keith’s trust established in 1999, would lose his inheritance upon a murder conviction.

The prosecution countered Mastellone’s claims by saying, “It’s a far-fetched argument that Corey Caneiro should have been charged with murder because he was trying to get $1.5 million that he didn’t know about.”

Additionally, Decker highlighted Paul’s history of stealing from Keith—occurring 19 times within 2018 alone—hinting at a motive. The prosecutor noted that shortly before the murder, tensions had escalated between the brothers.

Decker pointed out that Paul disabled the security cameras in his home just before setting it on fire to give the impression that he was a victim. “He’s got to be the unluckiest guy in the world,” Decker remarked, implying that disabling the camera only added to the suspicion against Paul.

In her four-hour defense, Mastellone suggested that there was reasonable doubt throughout the investigation, claiming that authorities overlooked critical pieces of evidence and were overly focused on Paul as a suspect.

She also brought up financial troubles as a potential motive, insinuating that he needed money for personal expenses, even though her defense indicated Paul was trying to manage his debts responsibly.

Mastellone insisted that the close bond Paul shared with Keith and the family would make it unlikely for him to commit such horrific acts.

As emotions ran high, Paul was observed tearing up while discussing his relationship with Keith’s family during Mastellone’s closing remarks.

In the prosecution’s narrative, shortly after a confrontation, Paul allegedly went to Keith’s home to demand answers regarding missing money, disabling power sources and ambushing Keith before shooting him multiple times. Following that, he reportedly attacked his sister-in-law and two young nieces.

Additionally, prosecutors claim Paul ignited a slow-burning fire in his home before returning to set it ablaze, although his wife and children managed to escape the flames.

Having pleaded not guilty, Paul has been in custody since his arrest. Decker is expected to finish his closing arguments on Thursday morning, after which the jury may begin deliberations.