Four in NJ mansion fire killed by ‘violence’

Dead homeowner’s brother arrested over arson at own home

COLTS NECK, N.J. — Authorities say a family of four was slain before their mansion was set ablaze, but assured the community a killer was not on the loose, hours after the homeowner’s brother was arrested Wednesday in an arson at his own home.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said authorities arrested Paul Caneiro, 51, and charged him with setting fire to his home in Ocean Township early Tuesday morning. Reports of a fire at his brother’s home in Colts Neck came in hours later, where the bodies of Keith Caniero, 50, and his family were found.

Keith Caniero was found dead on the lawn of the family’s mansion. He had sustained more than one gunshot wound, the prosecutor said. Inside the burning house, authorities found the bodies of his 45-year-old wife, Jennifer Caniero, their 11-year-old son Jesse and 8-year-old daughter Sophia.

Those bodies were badly burned and medical examiners still had not determined causes of death for them as of Wednesday afternoon.

“We believe that this family … was targeted,” Gramiccioni said. Referring to Paul Caniero, Gramiccioni said, “I can’t confirm or deny whether he is a suspect” in the murders.

It wasn’t immediately known if Paul Caniero had retained an attorney. He is charged with aggravated arson and will make a first appearance in court next Wednesday. According to a criminal complaint, Paul Caneiro used gasoline to set his home on fire while his wife and two daughters were inside. No one was injured in that blaze, which was reported at 5:01 a.m., about 7½ hours before the Colts Neck fire was reported.

The prosecutor said all four members of Keith Caniero’s family were “victims of homicidal violence,” adding there is no indication of suicide.

Keith and Paul Caneiro were partners at a technology firm in Asbury Park, Square One.

The upscale enclave of Colts Neck is about 50 miles south of New York City and is home to a number of celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen. Former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart and his wife operate an animal sanctuary there; Queen Latifah had a mansion there; and current and former members of the band Bon Jovi have called it home.