Opening arguments in the Paul Caneiro murder trial began Monday in Freehold with a stunning claim from the defense.

Caneiro is accused of killing his brother Keith, Keith's wife, and their two children in their Colts Neck home in 2018, then setting fires at both homes to cover up the crime.

Defense attorney Monika Mastellone told jurors Caneiro is innocent and said investigators ignored another brother, Corey Caneiro.

"Now who should the police have focused on? Who should have they investigated? Well, they didn't really mention him but there is a third brother and his name is Corey Caneiro," Mastellone said.

She added, "You also heard that Paul's financial situation was a house of cards. But what you'll also hear during this trial is that Corey Caneiro's financial situation was even worse."

Mastellone argued police focused only on Paul from Day 1.

Assistant Prosecutor Nicole Wallace told the jury that Paul Caneiro committed the crimes out of greed and desperation for money from his brother and family businesses.

Wallace said Caneiro's young niece was stabbed 17 times and, along with her brother who was also stabbed, suffered smoke inhalation — meaning they were alive when the Colts Neck home was set ablaze.

After opening arguments, the judge gave jurors a 15-minute break before witnesses began taking the stand.