Double Murder, Suicide Involving State Trooper 'Was A Preventable Tragedy,' Says NJ Lawmaker

DISTRICT 25, NJ — The double murder-suicide involving veterinarian Lauren Semanchik, her firefighter boyfriend Tyler Webb, and her ex-boyfriend, an NJ state trooper, "was a preventable tragedy," says Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.

Dunn, of District 25, continued to say the "tragedy highlights serious shortcomings in how law enforcement responds to cases of domestic violence."

As a result, Dunn is calling for an expanded definition of domestic violence to protect victims like Semanchik.

Authorities said Dr. Semanchik, 33, of Pittstown, and Webb, 29, of Forked River, were both killed by Semanchik's ex-boyfriend, Ricardo Jorge Santos on Aug. 1. Santos was a sergeant first class of the New Jersey State Police, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson said.

Robeson released an account of what led to the apparent double homicide which detailed how Santos followed Semanchik home after she had reported him to police for harassing behavior after their breakup in September.

On Saturday, Semanchik and Webb were found shot to death outside her home in Franklin Township(Hunterdon County), and Santos was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his car.

"Psychological abuse isn’t currently included in the definition of domestic violence, but it can be just as damaging as any physical assault and needs to be taken just as seriously. It is often the precursor to a violent incident," Dunn (R-Morris) said.

Dunn said that Semanchik reportedly sought a restraining order after nonstop phone calls and texts, and having her car vandalized and recording devices planted in her home.

This past Thursday, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office(HCPO) took over the Franklin Township Police Department. Read More: Top Cops In NJ Town Rocked By Double Murder Removed Over 'Serious Concerns'

"HCPO has determined that supersession of FTPD is immediately necessary following its active investigation into the homicides in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township on or about August 1, 2025, which has raised serious concerns about FTPD’s operations and effectiveness," according to the HCPO on Thursday.

Additionally, Franklin Township Police Chief Timothy Snyder and Sergeant Kevin Bollaro are being placed on administrative leave by the Township of Franklin.

Dunn has introduced a bill (A3236) that revises the definition of domestic violence to include psychological and economic abuse. If an incident causes fear, serious alarm or distress that has a substantial adverse impact on a person’s daily activities, it could be considered a domestic violence offense.

"This young woman feared for her safety and the system failed her in the worst way," Dunn said. "We will never know if changing the language in the law would have made a difference in Lauren and Tyler’s lives or prompted an appropriate response by law enforcement, but if it means we can prevent a similar tragedy, New Jersey’s Legislature is obligated to act and act swiftly."

Previous reporting:

• It Was Love At First Concert Until NJ State Trooper's Jealous Slayings: Police
• Top Cops In NJ Town Rocked By Double Murder Removed Over 'Serious Concerns'
• Long Valley Veterinarian Mourned After Apparent Double-Murder, Suicide
  
• Community Mourns Lacey Man, Bayville Firefighter Slain In Apparent Double-Murder, Suicide

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