Dash Cam Caught Her Trooper Ex Lurking — Now She, Her Boyfriend and the Ex Are All Dead in a Murder-Suicide

State Trooper Commits Double Murder-Suicide: Authorities Investigate

A tragic incident unfolded in Franklin Township, New Jersey, as a New Jersey State Police lieutenant fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend before turning the gun on himself, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. The devastating event took place on August 1st, leaving three lives lost in its wake.

The state trooper, identified as Ricardo Santos, reportedly killed Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb in a horrifying act of violence. Authorities discovered Santos deceased in a 2008 Mercedes SUV in Piscataway, where he had taken his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot. The community was left in shock as details of the events leading up to the tragedy emerged.

Investigations revealed that Santos had previously been in a relationship with Semanchik, a veterinarian, which had ended in September 2024. Following their breakup, Santos exhibited concerning behaviour described as “harassing and controlling” towards Semanchik. The prosecutor’s office disclosed that Semanchik and Webb had only recently begun dating at the time of the fatal incident.

Surveillance footage captured from Semanchik’s car depicted a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the tragedy. The video showed Semanchik being followed by the same Mercedes SUV that Santos was later found in. Shortly after Semanchik arrived home and parked her car, a figure was seen walking in a wooded area near the driveway. Thirty minutes later, Webb’s car pulled up next to Semanchik’s, resulting in a devastating turn of events.

On August 2nd, authorities responded to a call reporting an unconscious woman at Semanchik’s residence. It was later revealed that multiple 911 calls the previous evening had reported gunshots and screams in the area, but responding officers were unable to pinpoint the source of the distressing noises.

Domestic violence helplines are essential resources for individuals in distressing situations. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support and guidance. Assistance is available 24/7 in over 170 languages, ensuring help is accessible to those in need.

The tragic loss of three lives in Franklin Township has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double murder-suicide continues, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the devastating incident. The impact of such senseless acts of violence reverberates far and wide, prompting conversations about the importance of addressing and preventing domestic violence in all its forms.