Double-Murder, Suicide Rocks Quiet NJ Communities: What We Know

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ - The reported double murder and suicide carried out by a New Jersey State Trooper over the weekend has left communities across the Garden State searching for answers.

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office deemed the killings a "targeted act" that claimed the life of 33-year-old Pittstown resident Lauren Semanchik and 28-year-old Tyler Webb, of Forked River. Webb, a Bayville firefighter, and Semanchik had recently started dating.

Timeline

Franklin Township Police responded to the area shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday, after Hunterdon County Communications received calls reporting gunshots and people screaming. Police were unable to find the source of either on Friday night.

Semanchik and Webb were found shot dead at a home on Upper Kingtown Road on Saturday afternoon after Franklin Township police responded to the property for a report of an unconscious woman.

The body of Ricardo Santos, a New Jersey State Trooper, was found alone in Johnson Park in Piscataway on Saturday evening. He was found in his white Mercedes Benz SUV alongside a semiautomatic handgun in what the Medical Examiner has preliminarily ruled as a suicide.

Semanchik had dated Santos before ending their relationship around September of 2024, and alleged that he continued to harass her and exhibit controlling behavior. According to NJ Advance Media, her mother said that Lauren Semanchik had called local police to file a restraining order and that one was not issued.

Concerned for her safety, she installed a video camera in her car that detectives were able to access after her death.

The footage shows Semanchik driving away from work in Long Valley at around 5:30 p.m on Friday, August 1 when a white 2008 Mercedes SUV leaves a parking spot nearby and begins to follow her. The driver follows her all the way back to her home along Upper Kingtown Road until she turns into her driveway at around 6 p.m. About 15 minutes later, someone is seen walking secretively through the wooded area along the driveway and up to the house.

Tyler Webb's vehicle is then seen arriving at around 6:45 p.m. before parking next to Semanchik's.

“We urge anyone experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse to seek help and know they are not alone. Resources are available, and there is strength in reaching out," adds Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson. "Together, we will continue to work toward a safer future for all."

MORE FROM PATCH: NJ State Trooper Kills Ex-Girlfriend, Firefighter She Just Started Dating, Report Says

Semanchik Remembered For Her Kindness

Semanchik worked at Long Valley Animal Hospital and was described as a "phenomenal veterinarian" and "one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter" by co-workers.

Before becoming a veterinarian, Semanchik worked at Oldwick Animal Hospital as kennel help personnel in 2009. She soon became a veterinary technician and followed in the footsteps of her mentor, Dr. Janisse Marie Cailles, to pursue a career in veterinary services.

She studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, earning her bachelor’s degree in Science in Microbiology. She continued her studies in Wisconsin, eventually earning her doctorate.

Semanchik belonged to many prestigious veterinary organizations and enjoyed attending live music shows, tending to her garden, and working on interior design projects.

The Long Valley Animal Hospital will be closed until Wednesday out of respect for mourning.

A GoFundMe has been launched to support Semanchik's family at this time.

"One of (Semanchik's) passions as a veterinarian was compassionate, empathetic, gentle end-of-life care, and that alone speaks volumes to her character," the GoFundMe reads. "She was gentle, never judgmental, and gave hugs and hand-holding to families that needed support the most during their most difficult moments."

Read More: Long Valley Veterinarian Mourned After Apparent Double-Murder, Suicide

Remembering Tyler Webb

Tyler Webb had an impact on others that "will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him and serving beside him," says the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company.

Webb was a volunteer for the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company in Berkeley, and according to Bayville EMS, was "the skilled hand who helped keep our squad vehicles running safely, he was the unsung hero behind the scenes—ensuring that our crews could answer every call without hesitation."

Webb was a volunteer firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company in Berkeley.

"Tyler served our department with dedication and honor," the fire department said. "He held the positions of Chief Engineer, Past Lieutenant, and Past Trustee during his time with the company. His contributions to our company and community will never be forgotten."

The news of Webb's death was met with an outpouring of love from Berkeley's other fire departments.

"May you forever Rest in Peace brother," the Bayville Volunteer Fire Department said. "We got it from here."

Bayville Volunteer Emergency Medical Services said that Webb's death "leaves a void in our Township and our community that cannot be filled."

"Tyler dedicated many years to serving Berkeley Township with unwavering commitment," Bayville EMS said. "As the skilled hand who helped keep our squad vehicles running safely, he was the unsung hero behind the scenes—ensuring that our crews could answer every call without hesitation."

A Meal Train has been launched for the Webb family; the link can be found here. All meal dates are booked as of Monday afternoon, but monetary donations are being collected. It's reached $7,500 of a $10,000 goal as of 12 p.m. Monday.

Read More: Community Mourns Lacey Man, Bayville Firefighter Slain In Apparent Double-Murder, Suicide

Who Is Ricardo Santos?

Santos had an annual salary of $139,862 from the State Police, according to public records, as of 2024. This salary was 38 percent higher than the average and 37 percent higher than the median salary in State Police Law Enforcement Personnel.

According to the public records Santos' salary increased by $4,558 from 2023 to 2024, which is a 3.4 percent rise. Since 2020, the salary has increased by $25,968, a total rise of 22.8 percent.

Santos also worked in the security detail assigned to protect Governor Murphy, according to NJ Advance Media.

“We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy,” Murphy spokesperson Mahen Gunaratna said. “Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time.”

Investigation

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office says there is no reason to believe that there is any further risk of danger to the surrounding communities, and that this was an isolated incident.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Sergeant David Petelle or Detective Quayshaun Brooks at 908-788-1129.

Information may also be provided through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. According to Crime Stoppers, all anonymous reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.