Community Mourns Lacey Man, Pinewald Firefighter Slain In Apparent Double-Murder, Suicide

LACEY, NJ — The Ocean County community is mourning the loss of a Forked River resident and Berkeley Township firefighter killed this weekend in apparent double-murder and suicide.

Tyler Webb, 29, died Saturday afternoon alongside his girlfriend Lauren Semanchik in what police believe to be a "targeted act," according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. The two had only started dating recently, authorities said.

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Semanchik's ex-boyfriend, NJ State Trooper Ricardo Jorge Santos, shot and killed the couple in her house, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office said. Santos then apparently took his own life in his car, authorities said.

“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," Prosecutor Renée Robeson said.

Webb was a volunteer firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company in Berkeley, which shared a statement Monday afternoon. He also volunteered with the NJ State Forest Fire Service.

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He started with the company in his teenage years, joining through the Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew. Webb became a full member the day he turned 18, the fire company said, and attended the fire academy as a kick off "an extraordinary 11 years of dedicated service."

"He served with honor in many roles, including Lieutenant, Chief Engineer, Trustee, and Chairman of the Backroom Committee," the fire department said. "No matter the position or the task, Tyler always stepped up and gave his all."

"Year after year, Tyler stood out as one of our top responders consistently, answering the call with bravery, reliability, and selflessness. Beyond the emergencies, he was a constant and dependable presence at community events and fundraisers, always ready to lend a hand and represent our department with pride," Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company said.

Webb also served as a mechanic in Berkeley.

"Tyler wasn’t just the township mechanic — he was our mechanic," the Berkeley Township PBA said. "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."

He was "an incredible mechanic, but an even better friend," the PBA said.

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

"Tyler’s dedication and courage to serving the community will never be forgotten," the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company said. "Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him and serving beside him."

"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. The fundraiser nearly reached its $10,000 goal as of 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Information regarding memorial services for Webb will be shared when they become available.

"Tyler was more than a firefighter, he was a Brother, a Son, and a Friend to us all. His kindness, commitment, and spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company said. "Our fire department family has suffered a tremendous loss. Tyler will be forever missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Tyler. Your legacy lives on in each of us."