Franklin Township, NJ – Authorities say a New Jersey State Trooper is suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend before taking his own life, in what investigators are calling an apparent murder-suicide that has left two communities in mourning.
Victims Found Dead Outside Franklin Township Home
According to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, officers responded to a home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, after receiving a call about two bodies outside the residence. Upon arrival, they discovered Dr. Lauren Semanchik, 33, a well-respected veterinarian, and Tyler Webb, 29, a volunteer firefighter, both shot dead in the yard of Semanchik’s home.
The shocking discovery came nearly 17 hours after neighbors first reported hearing gunshots and terrifying screams around 7 p.m. on Friday evening.
“We clearly heard shots. We knew it was a pistol… and then, we heard screams,” one neighbor told reporters.
“She was terrified and sounded like she was running.”
Neighbors said they immediately called 911, providing their names and contact details, but were never contacted by officers that night. According to investigators, police did not return to the scene until 12:22 p.m. the following day, after another individual reportedly discovered the victims’ bodies and made a second 911 call.
Suspect Identified as State Trooper Ricardo Santos
The man believed to have committed the double homicide is Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Jorge Santos, a New Jersey State Trooper. According to prosecutors, Santos was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday in Johnson Park, located in Piscataway, roughly 30 miles from the crime scene.
As reported by Fox 10 Philadelphia, Santos had been previously in a relationship with Semanchik, which she ended in September 2024. She had reportedly expressed concerns about harassment and controlling behavior from Santos and was allegedly attempting to file a restraining order against him before the murders.
Santos served in the New Jersey State Police’s dignitary protection unit, a division tasked with guarding state officials and the governor.
Victims Remembered as Dedicated and Kind
Dr. Lauren Semanchik, a veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital, was mourned by colleagues who described her as “a phenomenal veterinarian” and “one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter.” Her sudden death has left clients and coworkers heartbroken.
Tyler Webb, who had recently begun dating Semanchik, was a volunteer firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company. The department honored him in a tribute post, stating:
“Tyler served our department with dedication and honor… His contributions to our company and community will never be forgotten.”
Questions Remain Over Police Response
The timeline of law enforcement’s actions following the initial 911 call has drawn scrutiny. Neighbors stated they made a report immediately after hearing the shots but claim no officers followed up with them that night, despite their full contact details being shared.
This delay has led to questions about potential lapses in police protocol and response during the critical hours after the crime was committed. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet addressed these concerns in detail.
Domestic Violence and Protective Order Failures
Authorities confirmed that Semanchik had ended the relationship with Santos months earlier and was seeking protection due to alleged harassment. This tragedy highlights the persistent challenges in preventing domestic violence, even when warning signs are present.
Advocates have called for renewed attention to protective order enforcement and law enforcement accountability, especially in cases involving individuals with authority and access to firearms.
Do you think law enforcement should face accountability for delayed responses in domestic violence situations? Share your thoughts.
