Brother STEALS $85K For Mistress Cars

A New Jersey business owner accused of murdering his brother’s entire family allegedly stole $85,000 to fund luxury car leases, including vehicles for his mistress, exposing the shocking depths of financial betrayal that prosecutors say led to quadruple murder.

Story Snapshot

Paul Caneiro allegedly stole $85,000 from shared business accounts to lease expensive cars, including for his mistress
The theft was part of broader financial disputes over missing funds and a $3 million insurance policy
Keith Caneiro confronted his brother about the missing money just days before the November 2018 murders
Trial testimony reveals the extent of Paul’s reckless spending that destroyed the brothers’ business partnership

Financial Betrayal Exposed in Courtroom

Prosecutors revealed disturbing details about Paul Caneiro’s financial misconduct during ongoing trial testimony in Monmouth County Superior Court. The $85,000 theft represents just one component of Paul’s systematic misappropriation of business funds that ultimately triggered Keith Caneiro’s deadly confrontation with his brother. Detective Debbie Bassinger presented voluminous bank records showing Paul’s unauthorized spending patterns, including luxury car lease payments that Keith never approved. This financial evidence demonstrates how Paul prioritized his personal lifestyle over business obligations and family trust.

Brother’s Confrontation Over Missing Money

Keith Caneiro discovered the missing funds while reviewing business accounts in November 2018, prompting heated exchanges with Paul about financial accountability. Testimony revealed Keith was particularly frustrated about Paul’s excessive spending from their shared business accounts, which included unauthorized payments for expensive vehicle leases. The confrontation escalated when Keith demanded access to login information for various accounts, including a Canada Life Insurance policy worth $3 million. Business associates testified that Keith wanted to sell one of their companies due to his growing distrust of Paul’s financial management.

Pattern of Reckless Spending Revealed

Court testimony exposed Paul’s broader pattern of financial irresponsibility that extended beyond the car lease scandal. Evidence showed Paul had been systematically draining business accounts to fund his personal lifestyle while neglecting essential business obligations like insurance premium payments. The defense acknowledged Paul’s financial situation was precarious, describing it as “a house of cards” that was rapidly collapsing. This reckless spending not only jeopardized the brothers’ business partnership but also threatened Keith’s family’s financial security through unpaid insurance premiums.

Murder Charges Based on Financial Motive

Prosecutors argue the $85,000 theft and broader financial disputes provided clear motive for Paul to murder Keith’s entire family on November 20, 2018. The state contends Paul shot Keith outside his Colts Neck home before stabbing Jennifer, Jesse, and Sophia Caneiro inside, then setting fires to both properties. Paul faces four counts of first-degree murder plus arson and weapons charges. The defense maintains Paul’s innocence and suggests investigators failed to adequately explore other suspects, including the brothers’ third sibling, Cory Caneiro, who allegedly had even worse financial problems.