Following murder conviction, Paul Caneiro's attorney requests new trial
Caneiro was convicted of killing four family members.
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Defense attorneys for convicted murderer Paul Caneiro have filed a motion for a new trial just weeks after a Monmouth County jury found him guilty of killing four family members.
Caneiro's defense attorneys, Monika Mastellone and Andy Murray, filed the motion on Feb. 23. On Feb. 13, a jury deliberated for less than five hours before delivering the guilty verdict. Caneiro was convicted of murdering his brother, Keith Caneiro, and sister-in-law, Jennifer, along with their two young children on Nov. 20, 2018. Prosecutors say that after the killings, Paul Caneiro set his brother's Colts Neck mansion on fire and then set his own Ocean Township home on fire in an attempt to cover up the crimes.
The request should not come as a surprise, says legal expert and former assistant district attorney Jarrett Ferentino.
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“Cases get a new trial. It happens. More often than not, appeals are unsuccessful. That doesn't mean that prosecutions' feet aren't held to the fire and judges of lower courts' decisions aren't tested,” said Ferentino.
Prior to the trial, the defense argued for a change of location and to have evidence showing security video at Paul Caneiro’s house thrown out. Judge Marc Lemieux rejected those requests.
“Some of the things didn't go Caneiro’s way there, so there may be a review of those evidentiary rulings. But I think the judge's rulings were sound. I think that the evidence was properly admitted. I do not foresee Paul Caneiro getting a new trial in this case,” noted Ferentino.
A request for new trial will be determined by Judge Lemieux. If he denies the request, Caneiro can then appeal the jury’s verdict.
“Not only should no one be surprised about this appeal, this ain't the end of Paul Carneiro. There will be years of appeals on this case beyond even this request,” said Ferentino.
Prosecutors are not commenting on the defense request. Sentencing is still scheduled for May 12.
