NJ trooper suspected of killing veterinarian, volunteer firefighter in apparent murder-suicide

By TopTrendReportTv

August 5th, 2025

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A New Jersey State Trooper is believed to be behind a shocking double murder-suicide that left a veterinarian and a volunteer firefighter dead in a quiet Franklin Township home over the weekend.

Authorities say 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik and 29-year-old Tyler Webb were found shot to death inside Semanchik’s home on Upper Kingtown Road Saturday afternoon. Police later located the suspected killer — New Jersey State Trooper Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Jorge Santos — dead from an apparent suicide inside a vehicle at Johnson Park in Piscataway.

Investigators say Semanchik had recently ended her relationship with Santos back in September 2024 and had accused him of harassing and controlling behavior. She had recently started seeing Webb, which may have triggered the fatal confrontation.

Semanchik worked as a veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital, where staff say her loss has left a deep void.

“She wasn’t just a great vet — she was one of the kindest people you could ever meet,” said the hospital’s practice manager.

Webb, a dedicated volunteer with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company, was remembered fondly by fellow firefighters.

“Tyler served with honor and commitment,” the fire department shared in a tribute post. “His impact on our department and community will never be forgotten.”

Santos, the alleged gunman, once worked on Governor Phil Murphy’s security detail and was most recently assigned to the state police’s dignitary protection unit. A spokesperson for the governor called the incident a devastating tragedy and said they are refraining from further comment as the investigation continues.

Both Semanchik and Webb are being remembered by their communities as caring and devoted individuals, whose lives were tragically cut short.