Convicted murderer Paul Caneiro is asking for a new trial in Monmouth County, arguing he was denied a fair proceeding because of alleged judicial bias.

Caneiro’s defense team claims the judge was “unfairly hostile” toward them during the trial and that the judge’s behavior in front of the jury deprived Caneiro of a fair trial. They say the interactions between the bench and the defense created an improper atmosphere that influenced the proceedings.

Caneiro was convicted of killing his brother Keith, Keith’s wife and the couple’s two children in 2018. The case drew widespread attention because of the family connection and the violent nature of the killings.

Sentencing is scheduled for May.