4 people, including 2 children, killed in arson blaze at New Jersey mansion

COLTS NECK, N.J. – Four people, including two children, were found dead at a $1.5 million New Jersey estate that went up in flames Tuesday, according to law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation.

Three victims were found inside the home in Colts Neck and the fourth, a man, was found shot to death outside the home, according to sources. Authorities did not release the name of the victims.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said the fire, which was reported at about 12:30 p.m., is being investigated as arson, but he wouldn't comment on any cause of death.

A portion of the yard adjacent to the burning home was taped off with yellow police tape with a red tarp laid out in the middle of the yard, according to helicopter footage posted by NBC New York TV.

Colts Neck is an affluent community in Monmouth County, home to both business leaders and celebrities. Bruce Springsteen and David Bryan, Bon Jovi's keyboardist, both live nearby. 

The home is owned by Keith Caneiro, 50, and Jennifer Caneiro, 45, according to public records. A family member who didn't want to be named told the Asbury Park Press the couple lived there with their two young children.

Authorities are also investigating a possible connection between the fatal Colts Neck mansion fire and another fire early Tuesday at a home in  Ocean Township that is owned by relatives of the Colts Neck family.

Public records show that home is owned by Paul and Susan Caneiro.

The family member who spoke to the Press said Paul and Keith Caneiro are brothers.

In Ocean Township, police tape surrounded the tan two-story home Tuesday afternoon and an Ocean Township Police patrolman was stationed out front. Several windows were open, but there was no damage visible from the front.

Gramiccioni said the Ocean Township fire was reported about 8:30 a.m. The blaze damaged the back of the home and the attic; neighbors said they believed all occupants escaped unharmed.

Torchia declined to give out further information about the Ocean Township fire.

"We're working with the prosecutor's office,'' he said. "They are the lead agency.''

The two-story home in Colts Neck has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. It is 5,700 square feet, according to Zillow.com, a real estate website.

Keith Caneiro’s LinkedIn page says he is founder, CEO and chief technology officer of Square One, an apparent web development company. A message left at Square One wasn’t returned. He is also a licensed real estate agent.

Maria Ricciardi of Colts Neck said she doesn’t know the family but called for the community to come together to pray for them.

“I’m just reaching out to the Colts Neck area here,’’ Ricciardi said. “We need to come together and help whoever this is.’’

Another Colts Neck neighbor said at least two housekeepers live at the house, and someone in the house grows peaches in the front yard.