A man, his wife, and two children were found dead in their New Jersey home after it burned down in a massive blaze. The Colts Neck mansion was owned by Keith Caneiro and his wife Jennifer Caneiro, but authorities would not confirm the identities of the victims. Now, that man’s brother Paul Caneiro is in custody after a similar blaze at his own house. The two brothers had owned a tech consulting firm together, according to local ABC7.
Authorities confirmed that a woman and two children were found inside a mansion in Colts Neck after first responders arrived on Tuesday.
A man was found dead outside the home. It’s unclear whether those inside were dead before the fire began, and the cause of the man’s death has not been confirmed. The victims found inside reportedly suffered severe burns all over their bodies, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni.
Hours before Keith Caneiro’s home went up in flames, Paul’s home in Ocean Township met a similar fate. Paul Caneiro has since been arrested under suspicion of aggravated arson for possibly setting his own home on fire.
Law enforcement officials have not declared exactly what they believe happened at Keith Caneiro’s home, or if Paul Caneiro is believed to be responsible. Keith Caneiro was reportedly found with a gunshot wound that was not believed to be self-inflicted. So far, no charges have been filed against anyone in connection with the Colts Neck fire or the four deaths, which are being investigated as homicides.
Update: The Associated Press reports that, according to prosecutors, the victims all suffered “homicidal violence” before the fire.
BREAKING: Prosecutor: Man, wife, 2 children found dead at New Jersey mansion fire victims of `homicidal violence’ before blaze.
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 21, 2018
[Image via ABC7 screengrab]
