The Monmouth County community came together on the eve of Thanksgiving to mourn and remember a Colts Neck family who were killed at their home, which was then deliberately set on fire.
The candlelight vigil for the Caneiro family took place at Colts Neck Town Hall with dozens of members of the community.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office says that Keith and Jennifer Caneiro and their two children, 11-year-old Jessie and 8-year-old Sophia were the victims of “homicidal violence.”
Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni says that Keith’s body was found outside the home and that Jennifer and the children were found inside. Gramiccioni said that the bodies found inside the home were severely burned.
Keith Caneiro was shot multiple times, according to the prosecutor.
“This family was targeted,” Gramicconi said Wednesday.
Gramiccioni said that investigators are exploring the possibility that this homicide is linked to a fire at a home on Tilton Drive in Ocean Township early Tuesday morning. Investigators say that this fire was also intentionally set. Prosecutors charged Paul Caneiro with aggravated arson in relation to that fire. Paul and Keith Caneiro are brothers.
The prosecutor said that the Colts Neck home was severely damaged by the fire and that crews need to make sure that the structure is secure before investigators can go in to collect evidence.
Gramiccioni would not say if Caneiro is a suspect in the homicide and arson fire in Colts Neck. But the prosecutor said that there is currently no danger to the public.
Paul Caneiro is being detained until his initial court appearance, which is scheduled for Nov. 28.
Anyone who may have any information about or pertaining to the crimes should contact the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 1-800-533-7443.