Pittstown, Franklin Township: Horrifying Betrayal: Beloved Veterinarian and Firefighter Gunned Down by Jealous Ex-Trooper – COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

Pittstown, Franklin Township – A quiet evening in Franklin Township, New Jersey, spiraled into tragedy when New Jersey State Police Lt. Ricardo Jorge Santos fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, Dr. Lauren Semanchik, and her new boyfriend, Tyler Webb, before turning the weapon on himself. Both victims were found dead inside Semanchik’s home in a devastating act of domestic violence. Neighbors reported hearing screams and gunshots, sounding as though Semanchik was desperately fleeing an unimaginable threat. Surveillance footage and dash cam captured Santos stalking her—following her home in his Mercedes. Despite Lauren’s attempts to seek help after months of stalking and harassing behavior, the warnings went unheeded. Meanwhile, the Franklin Township Police Department was criticized for failing to locate the victims after responding to initial 911 calls. Now, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has taken over the investigation, placing local officers on leave amid public outrage and questions around compassion, protection, and accountability in domestic violence cases.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Ex-state trooper kills veterinarian and firefighter before suicide in apparently targeted murder-suicide.

• IMPACT: Two lives—pillars of their community—lost to a preventable act of violence.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: Dash cam footage confirms stalking and surveillance of Semanchik by her ex.

• ACTION: Authorities urge reporting of all threats; contact Hunterdon County Detective Petelle or Crime Stoppers.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Pittstown, Franklin Township, Hunterdon County—Upper Kingtown Road home where the double homicide unfolded.

2. Community Connection:
   “Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls…” – Long Valley Animal Hospital

Exclusive Angle

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: This tragedy lays bare the lethal risks of domestic violence and stalking—especially when law enforcement is the perpetrator. Despite warning signs and Lauren’s pleas for help, no restraining order was granted, and protective systems failed. As Franklin Township Police leadership faces suspension, this case becomes a catalyst for reexamining protocols on responding to stalking, enforcing protective orders, and building institutional accountability in law enforcement.

Update Log

• Aug 1: Dashcam shows Santos following Semanchik; gunshots heard later that night.

• Aug 2: Bodies discovered; Santos found dead in a vehicle. Hunterdon County opens investigation.

• Today: Two FTPD officers placed on leave as county prosecutor assumes control of the police department.