FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The harrowing murder of 33-year-old veterinarian Lauren Semanchik by her ex-boyfriend, New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Ricardo Santos, has exposed months of stalking, harassment, and ignored warnings that tragically culminated in a fatal murder-suicide on August 1, 2025.

Authorities found the bodies of Semanchik and her boyfriend, 29-year-old volunteer firefighter Tyler Webb, at her Franklin Township home after a violent shooting. Santos died by suicide shortly afterward.

Text messages uncovered after the tragedy reveal that Lauren lived in fear for nearly a year following their breakup in September 2024. She reported repeated acts of harassment, including vandalism, invasion of privacy, and stalking, allegedly perpetrated by Santos, who was an active law enforcement officer.

Chronology of Harassment

Following their breakup in September 2024, Semanchik experienced a series of unsettling incidents. According to family members, Santos engaged in persistent and disturbing behavior, including:

• Vandalism: Santos allegedly keyed Semanchik’s car and tampered with her vehicle by adding water to the gas tank.

• Invasion of Privacy: Semanchik discovered a recording device in her room, which she attributed to Santos.

• Surveillance: Dash cam footage from Semanchik’s car captured Santos following her closely on the evening of the murders.

In October 2024, Semanchik sent a text message to Santos expressing her fear and intent to seek legal protection:

“If you continue to either reach out to me or invade my privacy in any way, I will be getting a restraining order.”

Despite these efforts, Semanchik did not receive the assistance she sought. Calls to local authorities went unreturned, and attempts to file a restraining order were unsuccessful.

“I FEEL THREATENED. I am a single small female who recently had water in my gas tank, a recording device in my room, and now this,” Lauren texted to her ex, highlighting the escalating terror she endured.

Despite Lauren’s efforts to obtain protection and file restraining orders, her family says that local police repeatedly failed to provide assistance. Multiple calls for help were ignored, and on the night of the shooting, officers reportedly left the scene after neighbors reported screams and gunfire.

The Fatal Incident

On August 1, 2025, Santos allegedly followed Semanchik and Webb to her home in Franklin Township. Surveillance footage shows Santos’s vehicle trailing Semanchik’s car and later seen near her driveway. Shortly after, Webb arrived at Semanchik’s residence. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots and screams, but when police arrived, they did not investigate thoroughly.

The following day, Semanchik and Webb were found deceased from gunshot wounds. Santos was later discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a park in Piscataway, approximately 50 miles away.

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has since taken over the Franklin Township Police Department’s investigation, suspending both the police chief and a sergeant amid mounting criticism. Authorities are conducting a thorough review to understand the failures that preceded the murders.

Friends and family remember Lauren Semanchik as a compassionate veterinarian and a devoted partner who was tragically silenced. Tyler Webb was equally mourned for his dedication as a volunteer firefighter and community member.

This tragic case has sparked widespread calls for reforms in how stalking and domestic violence cases are handled, especially when the perpetrator is a member of law enforcement. The community continues to grapple with the devastating loss while urging better protections for victims.

Authorities ask anyone with information related to the case to come forward as the investigation continues.