In the quiet, close-knit community of Franklin Township, New Jersey, a horrific tragedy unfolded on the evening of August 1, 2025, shattering lives and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of residents. What began as a seemingly ordinary Friday night spiraled into a chilling act of violence, claiming the lives of three individuals in a devastating murder-suicide that has gripped the state with sorrow and disbelief.
At the center of this tragedy were Dr. Lauren Semanchik, a 33-year-old veterinarian whose warmth and compassion touched countless lives, and Tyler Webb, a 29-year-old volunteer firefighter whose dedication to his community was nothing short of heroic. The two, who had recently begun dating, were found shot to death in Semanchik’s home on Upper Kingtown Road in the serene Pittstown section of Franklin Township. The suspected perpetrator, Ricardo Jorge Santos, a 37-year-old New Jersey State Police sergeant first class, was later discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a white 2008 Mercedes SUV parked at Johnson Park in Piscataway, nearly 30 miles away.
The sequence of events, as pieced together by investigators, paints a harrowing picture of obsession and violence. Surveillance footage from a camera installed in Semanchik’s vehicle revealed a chilling prelude to the tragedy. On August 1, around 5:25 p.m., Semanchik left her workplace at Long Valley Animal Hospital in Morris County. As she drove, a white Mercedes SUV—later confirmed to be Santos’s—pulled out of a parking lot and followed her for 30 miles, tailing her closely until she reached her driveway shortly before 6 p.m. At 6:11 p.m., a figure was seen creeping through the wooded area along her driveway, moving stealthily toward the residence. Just over half an hour later, at 6:45 p.m., Tyler Webb arrived at the home. Minutes later, neighbors reported hearing gunshots and screams, prompting 911 calls to Hunterdon County Communications. Tragically, when Franklin Township police responded that evening, they were unable to locate the source of the disturbance and left the scene.
The grim discovery was made the following day, August 2, when Semanchik’s father visited the home after growing concerned for his daughter’s safety. Inside, he found the bodies of Lauren and Tyler, both fatally wounded by gunshots. Lauren, in a desperate attempt to escape, had been shot in the back, a detail that underscores the terror of her final moments. Tyler, who had only recently begun dating Lauren, lay nearby, also struck down in the brutal attack. Hours later, authorities located Santos in Piscataway, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with a semiautomatic handgun recovered from his vehicle.
The motive, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson, was rooted in domestic violence. Semanchik had dated Santos for a few months earlier in the year, ending their relationship in September 2024. What followed was a relentless campaign of harassment and control. Semanchik’s family revealed that she had endured months of stalking, including Santos showing up at her workplace, keying her car, placing recording devices in her home, and even pouring water into her gas tank. She had blocked his calls, but he persisted, using restricted numbers to contact her. Desperate for protection, Lauren sought restraining orders and reached out to local police and even one of Santos’s colleagues in the State Police, but her pleas for help went unanswered. “A lot of agencies failed her,” her mother, Jeannine Semanchik, told reporters, her voice heavy with grief. “She tried to get restraining orders. Nobody called her back.”
Lauren Semanchik was more than a victim—she was a beacon of kindness and empathy. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, where she earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees, Lauren was a beloved veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital. Her colleagues described her as “one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter,” a professional whose passion for animals was matched only by her compassion for their owners. She volunteered with Lap of Love, an organization dedicated to providing gentle end-of-life care for pets, offering comfort to families during their most difficult moments. “She gave so much of her life to other people,” said her sister, Deanna Semanchik, “and she deserved so much better.” A GoFundMe campaign launched in her memory has drawn an outpouring of support, with donations and heartfelt tributes flooding in to honor her legacy.
Tyler Webb, too, was a pillar of his community. A resident of Forked River, he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company in Berkeley Township, where he held roles as Chief Engineer, Past Lieutenant, and Past Trustee. His 11 years of service began as a teenager through the Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew program, and he was remembered as a dedicated public servant who took pride in ensuring the safety of his community’s emergency vehicles. “Tyler wasn’t just the township mechanic—he was our mechanic,” wrote Bayville EMS, noting his role in keeping patrol vehicles and squad cars ready for action. The Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company mourned his loss, stating, “His contributions to our company and community will never be forgotten.” A Meal Train fundraiser for the Webb family has raised thousands, reflecting the profound impact he had on those around him.
Ricardo Santos, once a trusted member of the New Jersey State Police, had served in the elite executive protection unit, guarding Governors Phil Murphy and Chris Christie, and was later assigned to the dignitary protection unit. His actions, however, betrayed the honor of his position. “He took the cowardly way out,” Deanna Semanchik said, expressing the family’s anguish that Santos evaded justice by-ending his own life. As a sergeant first class with a salary of $139,862 in 2024, Santos had risen through the ranks since joining the State Police in 2010. Yet, his personal struggles culminated in an act of unimaginable violence that has left a community reeling.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for action against domestic violence. Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson, in a poignant statement, expressed the community’s collective grief: “This senseless and devastating loss has deeply affected our entire community. While justice in the legal sense may not proceed, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies remains unwavering.” Advocates are urging greater awareness of domestic violence warning signs, improved access to restraining orders, and mental health evaluations for law enforcement officers. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) are being highlighted as critical lifelines for those in need.
As Franklin Township and surrounding communities mourn, the legacies of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb shine through the darkness. Lauren’s gentle spirit and Tyler’s selfless service will live on in the hearts of those who knew them. For now, their families ask for privacy, prayers, and support as they navigate this unimaginable loss. In the words of Long Valley Animal Hospital, “We ask for patience as our family mourns this devastating loss.” The road to healing will be long, but the outpouring of love for Lauren and Tyler is a testament to the lives they lived and the communities they touched.
