State Police Lt. allegedly kills ex-girlfriend, her new boyfriend, then takes his own life
(August 6, 2025) On Monday, New Jersey’s Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office provided some updates regarding the horrific double homicide that went down in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, on August 2.
A New Jersey state police lieutenant, who also served on Gov. Phil Murphy’s security detail, allegedly followed his ex-girlfriend home from work Friday evening and fatally shot her and her new boyfriend. ~ NBC News, New York
On that fateful date at approximately 12:22 p.m., Franklin Township police officers responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious female with apparent physical trauma at a residence on Upper Kingtown Road in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township.
Upon arrival, officers observed two deceased individuals who exhibited apparent gunshot wounds from a semiautomatic firearm, in what investigators have confirmed was a targeted act. Investigators identified the victims as Lauren Semanchik, 33, of Pittstown, and Tyler Webb, 29, of Forked River.
During their investigation, Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office detectives learned that on August 1 at approximately 7:08 p.m., Hunterdon County Communications received 911calls reporting audible gunshots and screaming in the area of Upper Kingtown Road, to which the Franklin Township Police Department responded, checked the area, but did not locate the source of the gunshots or screaming.
As the investigation continued, detectives learned that Semanchik, a local and beloved veterinarian, and Webb recently began dating. Semanchik previously dated Ricardo Jorge Santos, a lieutenant of the New Jersey State Police. After ending her relationship with Santos around September 2024, Semanchik alleged that Santos engaged in continued harassing and controlling behavior. As a result, it appeared to detectives that Santos may have been involved in the homicides.
As this information was being developed, detectives were notified that Santos was found deceased alone and inside a white 2008 Mercedes SUV in Johnson Park in Piscataway, Middlesex County. Further investigation revealed 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.
As the investigation progressed, detectives further learned that Semanchik installed a video surveillance recording system in her vehicle, which detectives accessed and carefully reviewed. In part, the footage depicts Semanchik’s vehicle departing her place of employment in Long Valley, Morris County, on August 1 at approximately 5:25 p.m. 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 approximately 5:57 p.m. At approximately 6:11 p.m., while Semanchik’s vehicle is parked, an individual is seen surreptitiously walking through the wooded area along the driveway leading up to the residence. And at approximately 6:45 p.m., Webb’s vehicle arrives at the residence and parks next to Semanchik’s vehicle.
Detectives also discovered that the same white 2008 Mercedes SUV that followed Semanchik’s vehicle and in which Santos’ deceased body was found, traveled to Piscataway later that evening.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson stated: “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.”
“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.”
“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.”
The Prosecutor’s Office went on to say that their investigation into the murders remains active and that there is no danger to the public regarding this matter.
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- 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.
For more on this tragic story out of Pittstown, New Jersey, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Source: Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office)
(Cover photo: Dr. Lauren Semanchik and Ricardo Jorge Santos, Image credits: X)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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