Franklin Township, NJ – A quiet New Jersey community is reeling after a double murder-suicide that claimed the lives of a beloved veterinarian and her firefighter boyfriend, allegedly at the hands of her jealous ex-boyfriend, a state trooper. Authorities say the shooter, identified as Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Santos, later killed himself.
A Targeted Attack Stemming from Jealousy
According to the Henderson County Prosecutor’s Office, Dr. Lauren Semanchik, 33, and Tyler Webb, 29, were fatally shot outside Semanchik’s Franklin Township home on August 1, 2025. Prosecutors say Santos, 38, ambushed the couple after following Semanchik from her workplace in Long Valley. Just miles away in Piscataway, Santos was later found dead inside a white Mercedes SUV from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Prosecutor Renee Robeson called the crime a “targeted act” and acknowledged that “while justice in the legal sense may not proceed, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies remains unwavering.”
Troubled Relationship Before the Murders
Authorities confirmed that Semanchik had broken up with Santos in September 2024 and later accused him of harassing and controlling behavior. A press release from the prosecutor’s office noted that detectives quickly considered Santos a suspect after Semanchik and Webb’s bodies were found.
Investigators obtained crucial evidence from a video recording system in Semanchik’s vehicle. Footage reportedly showed a white 2008 Mercedes SUV trailing her from work to her home, then captured a figure walking through wooded areas toward the residence. At 6:45 p.m., Webb arrived at the house. Moments later, neighbors reported hearing gunshots and screams.
Witness Accounts of the Shooting
One neighbor told WABC-TV that the sounds of a pistol rang out Friday night, followed by terrified screams. “We cannot deny that she was terrified, and sounded like she was running,” the neighbor recalled. Although police were called, no one responded to the property until the following afternoon.
By 12:22 p.m. Saturday, Franklin Township Police arrived to find Semanchik and Webb dead in the driveway. Santos’s body was discovered roughly seven miles away.
Remembering the Victims
Semanchik, a veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital, was remembered for her lifelong passion for animals, which began with her rescue cat Sneakers. Her obituary described her as “selfless and compassionate,” with a deep love for animals and people.
Webb, a mechanic and volunteer firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company, was recalled as a man who “found true happiness in just being with people.” His life was filled with service — from firefighting to racing, music, and community involvement.
Community Mourns and Supports the Families
Both families are receiving community support through GoFundMe pages started by co-workers. Friends and neighbors have held vigils, sharing stories of the couple’s kindness, commitment, and love for life.
How do you think communities can better protect victims of harassment before tragedies occur? Share your thoughts in the comments.
