It Was Love At First Concert Until NJ State Trooper's Jealous Slayings: Police

FRANKLIN, NJ — It was music that sparked a romance between a New Jersey veterinarian and a firefighter. However, the love would only last a short few months before a jealous ex-boyfriend and New Jersey State Trooper would kill them both, according to authorities.

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

Webb's sister, Angela, detailed the new couple's romance and how it all began.

"I met Lauren in a crowd at a Mayday Parade show. She was so sweet, fun, & such a light. When her and Tyler started to talk & exchanged numbers, I was so happy. We were lucky enough to share a few concerts together after that, including one with Amberly, who is almost as protective over uncle Tire as I am, & she immediately loved Lauren," Angela wrote on Facebook.

Angela said Tyler would light up when he talked about Semanchik and was with her.

"I am so grateful for the happiness she gave my brother over the last few months & feel lucky to have these moments with them. I will never understand this," wrote Angela.

The community is continuing to grieve while setting up fundraisers and meal trains for the families of the New Jersey couple. New details have been revealed by authorities, recapping the moments leading up to the double slaying.

On Monday night, Robeson released an account of what led to the apparent double homicide of Semanchik and Webb at Semanchik's home in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township this past weekend.

Semanchik, a local veterinarian, and Webb, a firefighter, recently began dating. Semanchik previously dated Santos, said Robeson.

After ending her relationship with Santos in September 2024, Semanchik alleged that Santos continued with harassing and controlling behavior.

According to NJ Advance Media, her mother said that Semanchik had called local police to file a restraining order, and that one was not issued.

Semanchik installed a video surveillance recording system in her vehicle, which detectives were able to access and review following her death.

Here is the timeline of what her camera footage shows detailing what led up to the deaths:

• On Friday, Aug. 1 at around 5:25 p.m., the footage depicts Semanchik’s vehicle leaving her job in Long Valley, Morris County
• 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.
• At around 6:45 p.m., Webb’s vehicle arrives at the home and parks next to Semanchik’s vehicle.
• At 7:08 p.m., 911 calls reported audible gunshots and screaming in the area of Upper Kingtown Road
• Franklin Township Police Department responded, checked the area, but did not locate the source of the gunshots or screaming.
• It wasn't until Saturday at around 12:22 p.m., when 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, Semanchik and Webb, who showed apparent gunshot wounds in what investigators believe was a targeted act

The same white 2008 Mercedes SUV that followed Semanchik’s vehicle drove to Piscataway later that night, according to authorities.

Santos was later found dead alone and inside the 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.

Since both deaths, the community has come together to share their condolences and set up fundraisers to help the families.

Dr. Lauren Semanchik

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.

The Long Valley Animal Hospital also set up a GoFundMe fundraiser with all proceeds to be given to the family for any and all funeral and memorial expenses, or for a donation of their choosing on Lauren's behalf.

"As words can sometimes fall short from those of us grieving, confused, angry, and truly devastated, I can share this with no doubts: Lauren was LOVED. Deeply and unequivocally loved by her family, friends, co-workers, clients, furry patients, classmates, and anyone who had the pleasure of conversing with her or getting a glimpse of her rockstar smile and genuine kindness. She loved life, and she loved helping others. She loved her family, as she often shared stories and plans she had with her sisters. She loved animals, the outdoors, kayaking, music, concerts, traveling, and so much more," according to the GoFundMe.

"One of her passions as a veterinarian was compassionate, empathetic, gentle end-of-life care, and that alone speaks volumes to her character. She was gentle, never judgmental, and gave hugs and hand-holding to families that needed support the most during their most difficult moments. She touched so many lives in her short time," according to the GoFundMe.

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

The young doctor 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 started her veterinary career at Oldwick Animal Hospital. She eventually took a position as a relief veterinarian for Long Valley Animal Hospital in 2020, before coming on as a full-time staff member in 2023.

"It is with deepest sadness that we learned of the tragic passing of Dr. Lauren Semanchik, our dear friend and colleague. Lauren started her veterinary career with us when she was still in high school and practiced here as a newly licensed veterinarian. She was a beloved member of our team on & off from 2009 to 2020," wrote the Oldwick Animal Hospital. "We knew Lauren as a vibrant, caring, smart, and talented veterinarian with a heart full of love and empathy. She will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and all of her loved ones."

Semanchik belonged to several prestigious veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. Additionally, she volunteered her time with Lap Of Love, an organization focused on providing compassionate end-of-life care for pets, according to her Long Valley Animal Hospital bio.

When Semanchik wasn’t working with animals, she enjoyed attending live music shows, tending to her garden, and working on interior design projects.

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."

Webb also served as the Berkeley Township mechanic and was remembered by the Berkeley Township PBA Local 237.

"Tyler wasn’t just the township mechanic — he was our mechanic. He took pride in making sure our patrol vehicles were safe, reliable, and ready for anything. But more than that, he cared about the people behind the wheel. Tyler would go out of his way to help any one of us, and his commitment never went unnoticed," said the PBA.

"Tyler was an incredible mechanic, but an even better friend. His loss is deeply felt throughout the department, the township, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. We will miss his laugh, his loyalty, and his presence. Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here," continued the PBA.

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 $11,500 of a $10,000 goal as of 7 a.m. Tuesday.

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.”

Ongoing Investigation

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.

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.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.