Karidis And Caneiro Families Release Statement

COLTS NECK, NJ — The families of Keith Caneiro and Jennifer Karidis Caneiro released a statement over the weekend to TAP Into Colts Neck/Holmdel, thanking the community for their support and also asking for continued privacy.

The memorial gathering for the Caneiro family was Sunday beginning at 12 noon at the Holmdel Funeral Home. The memorial was to be followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m., also at the Holmdel Funeral Home.

"The Karidis and Caneiro families are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from our devoted family, the faithful friends of Jennifer, Keith, Jesse and Sophia, and many other kind individuals from the community and beyond," read the statement. "The passing of these four beautiful people was tragic, sudden and incomprehensible and, like you, we are heartbroken. May we all take comfort in the wonderful memories and incredible moments of joy they gave to all of us.

On behalf of our entire family, we respectfully ask that we be allowed privacy as we grieve during this very difficult time. Thank you."

In the meantime, Caneiro's brother, Paul Caneiro, the man accused of murdering the entire family on Nov. 20, pleaded not guilty on Friday and waived his right to a detention hearing, a spokesman for the Monmouth County prosecutor's office said.

The first grade teacher of slain Jesse Caneiro, 11, wrote an especially touching tribute about Jennifer Caneiro, and described as a hard-working mother, devoted to her children and very involved in the Conover Road School PTO: "Jennifer savored the times she could share in Jesse's school life and expressed her joy in doing so. Jennifer's involvement was a win for everyone at Jesse's school," wrote first grade teacher Lisa Mastroianni. "To see her at school with her son was heartwarming. Jennifer's beautiful way of expressing her love and appreciation is a gift, showing by example the power of love & gratitude. I am forever grateful for knowing Jennifer through her beautiful son, Jesse. My sincerest condolences."