On August 2, 2025, New Jersey State Police Sergeant Ricardo Jorge Santos fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, veterinarian Lauren Semanchik, and her boyfriend, volunteer firefighter Tyler Webb, at Semanchik's home in Franklin Township, NJ, before killing himself in a murder-suicide. Santos had stalked Semanchik since their breakup about a year earlier, with reported harassment including unwanted calls, showing up at her workplace, and placing recording devices in her home. Police had responded to reports of gunshots and screams on the night of the incident but did not locate the source. The bodies were discovered the next day by Semanchik's father. The case remains under investigation with some police officials placed on administrative leave.
Country: United States
State/Province: New Jersey, United States
City/Region: Franklin Township
Incident Type: Murder-Suicide
Relationship Status: Ex-partners
Relationship Duration: Approximately 11 months
Incident Date: Aug. 2, 2025
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
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Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 11 months
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2025-08-02
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
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Original language: English
New Jersey police sergeant killed ex-girlfriend, her boyfriend in murder-suicide, prosecutors say
Jealousy
The case involves a former romantic relationship marked by stalking and harassment after breakup. The suspect exhibited escalating controlling and threatening behaviors, including surveillance and repeated unwanted contact, culminating in a murder-suicide targeting his ex-girlfriend and her new partner.
Authorities identified Ricardo Santos as the primary suspect after reviewing surveillance footage and victim's reports of harassment. Police responded to 911 calls on the night of the incident but did not locate the source. The suspect was found deceased by suicide approximately an hour away. Franklin Township Police Chief and a sergeant were placed on administrative leave pending investigation. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office continues to investigate and urges public assistance.
Initial police response to 911 calls did not locate the shooting scene, delaying discovery of victims. The exact timing of the murders is uncertain, with evidence suggesting they occurred Friday night but bodies found Sunday. No confusion about suspect identity; suspect deceased by suicide.
Surveillance footage showed Santos following Semanchik from work to home on the day of the incident. Video captured a person moving near the victim's home before the shootings. Santos stalked Semanchik since their breakup in September 2024, with repeated harassment attempts. On August 2, 2025, Santos shot Semanchik and her boyfriend Tyler Webb at her home, then died by suicide in his vehicle about an hour away. Police found the bodies the next day after a family member discovered them.
High risk due to stalking, harassment, firearm access, and escalation to lethal violence. Prior attempts to seek restraining orders were unsuccessful, indicating systemic failures in protection.
Persistent stalking and harassment after relationship breakup can escalate to lethal violence, especially when firearms are accessible. Early intervention and effective restraining orders are critical. Police response to reports of harassment and suspicious activity must be thorough to prevent tragedies.
Repeated stalking, harassment, unwanted contact from restricted numbers, and physical sabotage such as car keying and placing recording devices.
Surveillance footage of suspect following victim, reports of stalking and harassment, 911 calls reporting gunshots and screams, and discovery of bodies by family.
Video surveillance from victim's car, 911 call recordings, forensic evidence from crime scene and suspect's vehicle including firearm recovery.
Neighbor reported hearing gunshots and screams on the night of the incident. Family members reported stalking and harassment history. Police responded to 911 calls but did not find the source initially.
Administrative leave of police officials was reported after the incident. No further updates on legal proceedings or restraining order outcomes are available.
Exact timeline of murders remains uncertain. Details on police response adequacy and restraining order attempts remain incomplete.