NJ State Trooper Kills Ex-Girlfriend, Firefighter She Just Started Dating: Prosecutor

FRANKLIN, NJ — A New Jersey State Trooper reportedly fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her new firefighter boyfriend on Saturday, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office on Monday.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson said Sunday that authorities were investigating an apparent double homicide that happened in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township.

On Saturday at around 12:22 p.m., Franklin Township police officers responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious woman with apparent physical trauma at a home on Upper Kingtown Road in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township, Hunterdon County.

Officers found two dead people, who showed apparent gunshot wounds in what investigators believe was a targeted act, said Robeson.

The victims were identified as Lauren Semanchik, 33, of Pittstown, and Tyler Webb, 29, of Forked River.

Prior to that, an investigation found that on Friday, Aug.1 at 7:08 p.m., 911 calls reporting audible gunshots and screaming in the area of Upper Kingtown Road, to which the Franklin Township Police Department responded, checked the area, but did not locate the source of the gunshots or screaming.

As the investigation continued, detectives learned that Semanchik, a local veterinarian, and Webb recently began dating.

Semanchik previously dated Ricardo Jorge Santos, a sergeant first class of the New Jersey State Police, said Robeson.

After ending her relationship with Santos in September 2024, Semanchik alleged that Santos engaged in continued harassing and controlling behavior. As a result, it appeared to detectives that Santos may have been involved in the homicides, according to authorities.

During the investigation, detectives were notified that Santos was found dead alone and inside a white 2008 Mercedes SUV in Johnson Park in Piscataway, Middlesex County.

Further investigation found that Santos suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which the Office of the Middlesex County Medical Examiner has preliminarily determined to be a suicide. A semiautomatic handgun was also located inside the vehicle, according to authorities.

Detectives also learned that Semanchik installed a video surveillance recording system in her vehicle, which detectives accessed and carefully reviewed.

The footage depicts Semanchik’s vehicle leaving her place job in Long Valley, Morris County, on Aug. 1 at around 5:25 p.m. The footage from the vehicle’s rear shows a white 2008 Mercedes SUV leaving a parking space and closely following Semanchik from Long Valley to Upper Kingtown Road until she turns into her driveway at around 5:57 p.m. At around 6:11 p.m., while Semanchik’s vehicle is parked, a person is seen surreptitiously walking through the wooded area along the driveway leading up to the home. And at around 6:45 p.m., Webb’s vehicle arrives at the home and parks next to Semanchik’s vehicle, according to authorities.

The same white 2008 Mercedes SUV that followed Semanchik’s vehicle and in which Santos' deceased body was found, traveled to Piscataway later that evening, according to authorities.

This case continues to be under active investigation by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, and nothing suggests any danger to the public.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Dr. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, whose lives were tragically taken in an act of domestic violence. This senseless and devastating loss has deeply affected our entire community," said Robeson.

"Considering the suspect’s subsequent suicide, we recognize that many questions remain, and healing will take time. While justice in the legal sense may not proceed, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies remains unwavering," said Robeson.

"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. Together, we will continue to work toward a safer future for all," said Roberson.

The Office of the Attorney General previously told Patch, "We are devastated by the tragedies that occurred this weekend. We will await the full results of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation before commenting further. But we extend our sincerest sympathy to the victims’ families and the loved ones, and pray for their healing as they endure an unimaginable pain."

Santos also reportedly worked in the NJSP Trooper unit assigned to protect Governor Murphy, according to NJ Advance Media.

"We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy. Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time," Mahen Gunaratna, spokesman for Governor Murphy, told Patch.

Lauren Semanchik had worked as a veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital in Morris County, which shared their condolences for her on their Facebook page.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share with our clients and community the tragic passing of our beloved Dr. Lauren Semanchik. Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all," stated Long Valley Animal Hospital.

The hospital is closed through Wednesday. "We ask for patience as our Long Valley Animal Hospital family mourns this devastating loss," said the Animal Hospital.

Tyler Webb served on Pinewald Pioneer Fire Co. in Berkeley Township. His fire company also shared words of condolences.

"It is with a heavy heart and deepest regret that the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company announces the untimely passing of Firefighter Tyler Webb," wrote Pinewald Pioneer Fire Co. "Tyler served our department with dedication and honor. 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. Please keep Tyler's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

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. All anonymous reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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