NJ - Multiple Deaths in Mansion Fire, Monmouth County, Colts Neck, 20 Nov 2018 *Arrest* #2

[Niner]

I went back and only saw this, "Lemieux issued a written decision about 5:30 p.m. ordering that Caneiro remain in jail pending trial, which is scheduled for Jan. 5."

I will check the Monmouth County Courthouse website and see if I can find some info

Thanks - much appreciated!

 

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1967207128524820877

ETA: Just days before jury selection had been scheduled to start on Sept. 8, the New Jersey Supreme Court — the state’s top court — agreed to hear prosecutors’ appeal that DVR video evidence should be allowed to be shown to jurors.

[..]

Caneiro has pleaded not guilty and is now scheduled to go on trial beginning with jury selection on Jan. 5, 2026.

 

[Niner]

@cass523 - before printing up my info for next week - just wondering if you found his next court date yet? TIA!

 

[Seattle1]

Notable Cases - Overview | NJ Courts

Overview of significant legal cases involving state law, public interest, and legal procedures, including DWI plea agreements, forensic lab issues, and fair housing disputes.

www.njcourts.gov

State v. Paul Caneiro​

A defense motion regarding excludable time will be heard at 10 a.m. on Sept. 12 before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold. The matter also will be livestreamed.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin in State v Paul Caneiro on Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold.

 

[Seattle1]

Track Appeals | NJ Courts

www.njcourts.gov

• Leave to Appeal Granted : Sept. 3, 2025
• Posted: Sept. 3, 2025

A-1-25 State v. Paul J. Caneiro (091055)

Under the circumstances presented, where defendant’s house was on fire, was the warrantless seizure of evidence from the garage justified under the exigent circumstances exception to the warrant requirement?

Note: The Court imposed an expedited, peremptory briefing schedule in this matter. Any motion for leave to appear as amicus curiae shall be served and filed through eCourts Supreme, with the proposed amicus brief, on or before 9/24/25. For information about submitting an amicus filing, please call the Clerk’s Office at (609)815-2955. No further submissions will be accepted unless requested by the Court.

PDF ORDER on Motion pgs 1-5:

https://www.njcourts.gov/system/files/court-opinions/2025/a_1_25.pdf

 

[Seattle1]

9/12/25

It’s 'Unjust' to Hold Paul Caneiro in Jail For Last 7 Years: Defense​

 

[Seattle1]

Judge Rules On Caneiro Release In Colts Neck Slayings, Trial Date Set

Paul Caneiro, 58, of Ocean Township, is accused of killing his brother and his brother's family before setting their home on fire in 2018.

patch.com

9/15/25

"It is not just to hold someone for seven years without a release (hearing)," Mastellone said.

During Friday’s hearing, the report said Christopher Decker, deputy first assistant Monmouth County prosecutor, argued that the 200-day period can be extended further when the court can’t proceed to trial.

Decker argued that this would be the case with Caneiro’s trial, because the state Supreme Court recently took over jurisdiction of the matter by agreeing to hear the appeal of one of Lemieux’s rulings to suppress evidence.

In his written ruling, the report said Lemieux agreed with Decker and ruled that the prosecutor’s appeal was “a valid exercise and preservation of appellate rights on suppression ruling, not a concession of unreadiness.”

Caneiro has been awaiting trial in his case since 2018, when he was accused of killing his brother, his brother’s wife, and their two children.

 

[LittleSeaTree]

9/12/25

It’s 'Unjust' to Hold Paul Caneiro in Jail For Last 7 Years: Defense​

Tough. IMO

 

[meanmaryjean]

Well, you have to ask yourself- WHO has been slowing down the whole process with endless delays?

 

[Niner]

Judge Rules On Caneiro Release In Colts Neck Slayings, Trial Date Set

Paul Caneiro, 58, of Ocean Township, is accused of killing his brother and his brother's family before setting their home on fire in 2018.

patch.com

9/15/25

"It is not just to hold someone for seven years without a release (hearing)," Mastellone said.

During Friday’s hearing, the report said Christopher Decker, deputy first assistant Monmouth County prosecutor, argued that the 200-day period can be extended further when the court can’t proceed to trial.

Decker argued that this would be the case with Caneiro’s trial, because the state Supreme Court recently took over jurisdiction of the matter by agreeing to hear the appeal of one of Lemieux’s rulings to suppress evidence.

In his written ruling, the report said Lemieux agreed with Decker and ruled that the prosecutor’s appeal was “a valid exercise and preservation of appellate rights on suppression ruling, not a concession of unreadiness.”

Caneiro has been awaiting trial in his case since 2018, when he was accused of killing his brother, his brother’s wife, and their two children.

I see no new hearing date.... Any other articles ? I am not finding anything. TIA if anyone finds it.

 

[Seattle1]

@cass523 - before printing up my info for next week - just wondering if you found his next court date yet? TIA!

On the eve of voir dire for 9/8/25, the Supreme Court granted the Trial Court "a leave," from the case on 9/3/25, and imposed an expedited filing date on or before 9/24/25, to file their proposed amicus brief-- after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the State's appeal about suppressing the contents of a digital video recorder (DVR) seized pursuant to a warrantless search of the defendant's garage.

In other words, granting a leave is similar to suspending the trial case so I wouldn't expect the Superior Court docket to have any activity except for the scheduled Motions hearing that was heard on 9/12 to release the defendant because the defense argued the Speedy Clock date was up on 9/14, and it would be a violation to hold him beyond this date.

To be clear, a leave by the Appellate Court also stops the speedy trial clock-- nonetheless, on 9/15/25, Judge Lemieux ruled in favor of the State Prosecutor, and Paul Caneiro remains jailed. IMO, this was the correct and only plausible ruling here! (The YT hearing is posted above).

At this time, we know voir dire for the trial was rescheduled to begin Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold.

 

[Niner]

On the eve of voir dire for 9/8/25, the Supreme Court granted the Trial Court "a leave," from the case on 9/3/25, and imposed an expedited filing date on or before 9/24/25, to file their proposed amicus brief-- after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the State's appeal about suppressing the contents of a digital video recorder (DVR) seized pursuant to a warrantless search of the defendant's garage.

In other words, granting a leave is similar to suspending the trial case so I wouldn't expect the Superior Court docket to have any activity except for the scheduled Motions hearing that was heard on 9/12 to release the defendant because the defense argued the Speedy Clock date was up on 9/14, and it would be a violation to hold him beyond this date.

To be clear, a leave by the Appellate Court also stops the speedy trial clock-- nonetheless, on 9/15/25, Judge Lemieux ruled in favor of the State Prosecutor, and Paul Caneiro remains jailed. IMO, this was the correct and only plausible ruling here! (The YT hearing is posted above).

At this time, we know voir dire for the trial was rescheduled to begin Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold.

Thanks - it was kind of hard for me to understand "what" was going on. Again - thanks for the explanation!

 

[Seattle1]

Thanks - it was kind of hard for me to understand "what" was going on. Again - thanks for the explanation!

NJ courts are still very stingy on providing public access to the docket details, but since the case was on the eve of trial, the case was finally getting mention and/or coverage on the "Notable Cases-Overview/NJ Courts" page linked below.

Notable Cases - Overview | NJ Courts

Overview of significant legal cases involving state law, public interest, and legal procedures, including DWI plea agreements, forensic lab issues, and fair housing disputes.

www.njcourts.gov

 

[Niner]

@Seattle- any "new" news now that 9/24 has passed. I asked on FB, but they just keep giving me the 1/5/26 trial date. So nothing new over there.
TIA if you can find his next court date!

 

[Seattle1]

@Seattle- any "new" news now that 9/24 has passed. I asked on FB, but they just keep giving me the 1/5/26 trial date. So nothing new over there.
TIA if you can find his next court date!

Since the Supreme Court imposed an expedited, peremptory briefing schedule in granting the leave to Appeal, if I recall correctly, the petitioner also waived any oral argument, so I don't think we will see the matter on the pending Appellate calendar either. IMO, January 5 is probably the best estimate for the next court date.

 

[Niner]

@Seattle1

NJ courts are still very stingy on providing public access to the docket details, but since the case was on the eve of trial, the case was finally getting mention and/or coverage on the "Notable Cases-Overview/NJ Courts" page linked below.

Notable Cases - Overview | NJ Courts

Overview of significant legal cases involving state law, public interest, and legal procedures, including DWI plea agreements, forensic lab issues, and fair housing disputes.

www.njcourts.gov

I tried getting into this site - but coming up with an error. Anything new in there? TIA!

 

[Seattle1]

@Seattle1


I tried getting into this site - but coming up with an error. Anything new in there? TIA!

Same update for Paul on this date:

Notable Cases - Overview | NJ Courts

Overview of significant legal cases involving state law, public interest, and legal procedures, including DWI plea agreements, forensic lab issues, and fair housing disputes.

www.njcourts.gov

State v. Paul Caneiro​

Jury selection is scheduled to begin in State v Paul Caneiro on Jan. 5, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold.

 

[Niner]

Looks like he had a hearing on 10/10/25. So going to post this & update & shorten my notes.

Update!

Friday, October 10th:
*Status Hearing (@ am ET) – NJ – Keith Martin Caneiro (50), his wife Jennifer Karidis Caneiro (45) & 2 children Jesse (11) & Sophia (8) (Nov. 20, 2018, Colt’s Neck; died prior to fire @ home) – *Paul Jay Caneiro (51/now 57) (bro) arrested (11/20/18), charged (11/29/18), indicted (2/25/19) & arraigned (3/18/19) on 4 counts of murder, 2 counts of felony murder, 2 counts of aggravated arson, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a knife, theft, misapplication of entrusted property & 2 counts of hindering apprehension. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Monmouth County
*Indicted (7/1/19) & arraigned (3/18/19) with 2nd degree insurance fraud (from 11/6/12 to 7/9/19). Plead not guilty.
Previously charge with 2 counts of 2nd degree aggravated arson (in connection to fire set @ his Ocean Township home on the same day before fire in Colt’s Neck) & with 4 counts of murder, with possession of a firearm & possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Paul Caneiro allegedly stole $78K from Keith & Jennifer Caneiro. He stole the money sometime between January 2017 & the day of the murders.
Jury selection set to begin on 9/8/25 has been delayed until 1/5/26. @ 8:45a There will be 12 jurors & 4 alternates.
Trial was set to begin on 9/8/25 after jury selection was delayed. (should take about 4 weeks)
Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley, presiding. Monmouth County Prosecutor Deputy First assistant Christopher Decker & Assistant Monmouth County prosecutor Nicole Wallace. Deputy Public Defender Tamar Lerer, Public defender’s office attorneys W. Michael Wicke, Victoria Howard & Monika Mastellone.
Court info from 11/28/18 thru 7/24/25 reference post #55 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/nj-m...colts-neck-20-nov-2018-arrest-2.740776/page-3
9/6/25 Update: Jury selection was set to begin Monday in the highly anticipated murder trial. But after the New Jersey Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal of whether some evidence in the case can be excluded, Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux delayed the trial until 1/5/26. Meanwhile, Caneiro's defense team maintained that the defendant must be released on Sept. 14 under New Jersey bail reform, which sets a limit on how long the accused can remain in custody before trial. Lemieux, Monmouth County’s assignment judge, set a hearing for 9/12/25 on whether Caneiro should be freed. At issue is whether the Supreme Court's decision to hear the matter stops the clock for the time limit set by bail reform.
9/12/25 Update: According to a report Caneiro's attorney, Monika Mastellone argued for Caneiro's release by arguing that a time limit to keep Caneiro in jail without bail under the state’s bail reform law was set to expire on Sept. 14. In the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017, it’s stated that a defendant must go to trial within 180 days of an indictment or be released from jail, the report said, though under some circumstances, that period can extend to 200 days. During Friday’s hearing, the report said Christopher Decker, deputy first assistant Monmouth County prosecutor, argued that the 200-day period can be extended further when the court can’t proceed to trial. Decker argued that this would be the case with Caneiro’s trial, because the state Supreme Court recently took over jurisdiction of the matter by agreeing to hear the appeal of one of Lemieux’s rulings to suppress evidence. In his written ruling, the report said Lemieux agreed with Decker & ruled that the prosecutor’s appeal was “a valid exercise & preservation of appellate rights on suppression ruling, not a concession of unreadiness.” The New Jersey Supreme Court — the state’s top court — agreed to hear prosecutors’ appeal that DVR video evidence should be allowed to be shown to jurors.
9/19/25 Update: Caneiro will remain behind bars for at least four more months after Judge Lemieux ruled against releasing him before trial on Friday. On the eve of voir dire for 9/8/25, the Supreme Court granted the Trial Court "a leave," from the case on 9/3/25, and imposed an expedited filing date on or before 9/24/25, to file their proposed amicus brief-- after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the State's appeal about suppressing the contents of a digital video recorder (DVR) seized pursuant to a warrantless search of the defendant's garage.
10/10/25 Update: In the coming weeks, summonses will be mailed to 8,000 Monmouth County residents, who will be whittled down to a panel of 16 to sit in judgment of Caneiro when he is tried next year in the murders of four family members. At a court conference on 10/10/25, Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux said jury summonses will go out in the mail Oct. 23 to 5,000 residents, requesting their appearance at the Monmouth County Courthouse the week of Jan. 5, when jury selection for Caneiro's trial is scheduled to begin. Another 3,000 summonses will be mailed on Oct. 30 requesting more potential jurors to report during the second week of jury selection, Lemieux said. The trial was scheduled to start last month, until the state Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal by prosecutors regarding evidence that Lemieux ordered suppressed. That evidence consists of a security system at the defendant's home that showed Paul Caneiro walking up to it at 1:29am when the camera shut off. Prosecutors have alleged the defendant disabled the camera to mask his departure from home in the early hours to drive to his brother's home & commit the murders. Lemieux suppressed the evidence because investigators did not obtain a warrant to take it. The state's high court is expected to hear arguments on the appeal in early November.