A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in New Jersey after a former state trooper allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend before dying by suicide. The shocking incident, described by prosecutors as a “targeted attack,” is being investigated as a case of domestic violence and double homicide.
Police Discover Two Dead in Pittstown Home
On Saturday around 12:20 p.m., Franklin Township police responded to a home in Pittstown after receiving a call about an unconscious woman. Inside, officers found 33-year-old veterinarian Lauren Semanchik and 29-year-old Tyler Webb. Both were dead from gunshot wounds.
Suspect Identified as Ex-Boyfriend and Former Trooper
Investigators quickly named Ricardo Santos, 45, as the prime suspect. Santos, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant, had previously served on Governor Phil Murphy’s security detail.
Soon after the search began, police located Santos dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his white 2008 Mercedes in Piscataway—about 50 miles from the crime scene. A handgun was found next to his body and is believed to be the murder weapon.
Surveillance and 911 Call Paint a Chilling Timeline
Authorities later revealed that police had received a 911 call the night before the murders. The caller reported hearing gunshots and screams near Semanchik’s home, but officers couldn’t locate the source at the time.
Lauren Semanchik had previously installed security cameras in her vehicle after reporting ongoing harassment by Santos. Footage from her car revealed she was followed by his vehicle from her veterinary clinic in Long Valley to her home just before 6 p.m. Friday.
Ten minutes after her arrival, surveillance footage showed a figure emerging from the woods near her driveway. Nearly 30 minutes later, Webb arrived and parked beside her.
Victim’s Family Shares Heartbreaking Details
It was Semanchik’s father who found the couple’s bodies the next day. Her sister, Deanna Semanchik, told CBS News that Lauren appeared to be running when she was shot. “She was shot in the back,” Deanna said. “She gave so much to others. She didn’t deserve this.”
The family described how Lauren’s life turned into a nightmare after ending her short three-month relationship with Santos in September 2024. What followed, they said, was a disturbing campaign of stalking and harassment.
“She Tried to Get Help — But No One Helped Her”
According to her family, Santos repeatedly harassed Lauren—calling her from restricted numbers, keying her car, and even placing recording devices in her home. Her mother, Jeannine Semanchik, said Lauren tried multiple times to get protection, but was ignored.
“She went through all the right channels. She asked for restraining orders. She contacted authorities. But no one followed up,” Jeannine said. “The system failed her.”
Community Mourns Two Lives Lost
Lauren Semanchik was a respected and beloved veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital. She earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Wisconsin.
Her co-workers described her as gentle, kind, and deeply caring. A GoFundMe page set up in her honor reads:
“She supported families during their hardest moments. Her heart was full of compassion, and her impact was immeasurable.”
Tyler Webb, her partner, was an active member of the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company. He had held roles including Chief Engineer and Lieutenant. The department remembered him as a dedicated public servant who left a lasting legacy in the community.
Case Investigated as Domestic Violence Double Homicide
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson confirmed that the case is being treated as a domestic violence incident and a deliberate double homicide.
Governor Phil Murphy’s office expressed sorrow over the tragedy but declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
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