Colts Neck Killings: Battle Over Keith Caneiro's Estate Begins

COLTS NECK, NJ — There's a new twist in the horrific story of the quadruple murder in Colts Neck last month: Who will control, and inherit, Keith Caneiro's money now that he's dead?

Paul Caneiro, who is accused of murdering both Keith and Jennifer, along with their two young children, was named in Keith's will as executor of Keith's estate, the Asbury Park Press was first to report.

Keith's estate was going to be given to his father, Cesar Caneiro, given that Keith, his wife Jennifer and their two young children are no longer living. Paul wouldn't necessarily have inherited the money, but he would have been tasked with the disbursement of the funds.

However, in a twist, Jennifer's mother, Bette Karidis, filed a "caveat" or written objection last Thursday, which essentially freezes Keith's will from being executed, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Cesar Caneiro is possibly fighting that, having retained his own lawyer as well, NJ.com reported. Cesar hired Robert M. Jacobs of Hackensack.

Trust funds were never set up for the two children.

The issue of how Keith's estate will be executed will likely now be decided by Monmouth County Superior Court, now that both Caneiro and Karidis have retained their own lawyers.

It is unknown how large Keith's fortune was. It has been reported that the mortgage on his and Jennifer's 1.5-million-dollar Colts Neck estate has been paid off in full. He was listed as the sole owner on the two companies he and his brother ran together, Square One technology firm and EcoStar Pest Management. Paul was not listed as an owner on either business.

Prosecutors have only said that Paul's motive was financial and it stemmed from the businesses the brothers ran together.

Photo from the Nov. 20 murder scene supplied to Patch by an eyewitness.