Defendant's daughter gives critical testimony in Colts Neck murder trial
COLTS NECK (WABC) -- The daughter of a man on trial in one of the biggest murder cases to play out in New Jersey in years gave gripping testimony on Monday.
Paul Caniero is accused of murdering his brother and his brother's entire family inside their home in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and then setting the home on fire.
The violence stemmed from a business dispute.
The daughter of Caniero took the stand on Monday and spoke about their once-loving, close-knit extended family.
She also testified about the day of the murders, which she called the 'worst day of her life.'
"I walked out of the front door of the police station and I called my uncle Corey because I wanted him to go to my uncle's house and make sure everyone was OK," Katelyn Caneiro said.
On that day, Kaitlyn says she, her sister and mother were awakened by their father Paul Caneiro, before dawn saying their house was on fire.
She says first responders arrived, and after a few hours, her entire family was taken to the police station.
And that's when she says her father began crying uncontrollably, saying he was told his brother Keith's house was also on fire.
That is the day detectives in Colts Neck had already been called to Keith Caneiro's home with Keith, his wife, Jennifer, their children, 11-year-old Jesse and eight year-old Sophia had been brutally murdered and their mansion set on fire.
Kaitlyn says she just wanted to get to her uncle's house, but the police would not let them leave.
Something went south legally in court.
Judge Marc Lemieux demanded that attorneys on both sides submit briefs by 10 p.m. Monday night concerning an issue he says was only brought to his attention today.
He was adamant.
The judge will meet with the attorneys at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
The jury will be called to the courtroom at 9 a.m.
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