Lauren Semanchik, 33 & Tyler Webb, 29, Fatally Shot by Her Ex, Who Then Took His Own Life — Details

In the quiet woods of Franklin Township, beneath the cover of an ordinary Friday night, the lives of two young people, Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, were stolen in a brutal act of violence that their families say was both feared and foretold.

A New Jersey State Police Sergeant, Ricardo Santos, fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend before turning the gun on himself in what authorities are calling a targeted act of domestic violence.

According to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office, Sergeant Ricardo shot and killed Lauren Semanchik, 33, and Tyler Webb, 29, at Lauren's home on August 1, 2025. Her home was on Upper Kingtown Road in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township. Reportedly, their bodies were found by Lauren's father.

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office stated in a press release that Franklin Township officers were first called around 7:08 p.m. Friday after reports of gunshots and screams in the area. However, after a brief search, police left the scene, unable to determine the source of the disturbance.

The victims' bodies were found the following afternoon, August 2, around 12:22 p.m., with apparent gunshot wounds from a semiautomatic firearm.

Ricardo was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a white 2008 Mercedes SUV parked in Johnson Park in Piscataway, nearly an hour's drive from the crime scene. The semiautomatic handgun was recovered inside the vehicle. The Middlesex County Medical Examiner preliminarily determined his death to be a suicide.

Authorities said that Lauren, a local veterinarian, and Tyler, a volunteer firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company, had recently started dating. Detectives learned that Ricardo had previously dated Lauren for about three months, ending their relationship in September 2024.

According to her family, he had been stalking and harassing her since the breakup. "She was running away. She was shot in the back," Lauren's sister, Deanna Semanchik, told CBS News. "She gave so much of her life to other people and she deserved so much better [sic]."

Family members said Ricardo harassed Lauren persistently. Deanna disclosed, "She tried to block him many times and he continued to call her from restricted numbers. He showed up at her work, that's where the car was keyed. He put recording devices in her home, water in her gas tank. He harassed her left and right [sic]."

"A lot of agencies failed her. She tried to get restraining orders. Nobody called her back," added her mother, Jeannine Semanchik. Investigators confirmed that Ricardo followed Lauren from her workplace in Long Valley to her home on the evening of the incident.

Lauren had installed a video surveillance system in her vehicle, which showed a white Mercedes SUV, matching the one later found with Ricardo's body, closely tailing her before parking near her home. Surveillance footage also showed someone walking through the wooded area near her driveway just minutes before the shooting.

At around 6:45 p.m., Tyler's vehicle arrived and parked beside hers. That would be the last known movement before the fatal shooting.

Governor Phil Murphy's office reportedly confirmed that Ricardo had previously served on the governor's security detail. In a statement, a spokesperson said, "We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy. Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time."

The prosecutor's office emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. They continue to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward. Prosecutor Renée Robeson, in the press release, acknowledged the lasting impact of the violence while extending the department's condolences to Lauren and Tyler's families.

Despite the tragedy, the Semanchik family is determined to fight for justice. "He needs to have accountability. He needs to be taken because he took the cowardly way out by taking his own life," Deanna said.

Lauren's team at Long Valley Animal Hospital created a GoFundMe campaign in her honor. The page described her as someone loved by everyone, including her furry patients, adding:

"She loved life, and she loved helping others. She loved her family, as she often shared stories and plans she had with her sisters. She loved animals, the outdoors, kayaking, music, concerts, traveling, and so much more."

The fundraiser continued, "One of her passions as a veterinarian was compassionate, empathetic, gentle end-of-life care, and that alone speaks volumes to her character. She was gentle, never judgmental, and gave hugs and hand-holding to families that needed support the most during their most difficult moments. She touched so many lives in her short time."

Tyler's best friend, Michael Hull, paid an emotional tribute to the deceased couple on his social media page. He revealed the depth of love his best friend had for the veterinarian.

The Manchester Police also wrote a tribute for Tyler, recognizing his honorable service to the community as a firefighter. He served as a chief engineer, a past lieutenant, and a past trustee during his lifetime. The force said he will never be forgotten.

Now, in the wake of unspeakable loss, those left behind are clinging to memories, calling for accountability, and demanding change. Lauren's family vows to honor her by fighting for stronger protections for victims of stalking and domestic abuse. Tyler's loved ones remember a man devoted to service, whose light was extinguished far too soon.