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Hunterdon County Prosecutor Seizes Control of Franklin Township Police Following Murder-Suicide

The prosecutor’s office cited serious concerns about police effectiveness in responding to stalking complaints by veterinarian Lauren Semanchik.

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Dr. Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb were found dead; the police lieutenant accused of their murder was later found deceased in his SUV.

Overview

  • Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee Robeson has assumed command of the Franklin Township Police Department and placed Chief Timothy Snyder and Sgt. Kevin Bollaro on administrative leave indefinitely.
  • The takeover responds to the alleged August 1 murder-suicide in which State Police Lt. Ricardo Jorge Santos fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, Dr. Lauren Semanchik, and her boyfriend, Tyler Webb, before killing himself.
  • Investigators said Franklin officers who answered reports of screams and gunshots on the night of the shootings failed to locate the victims or secure the scene.
  • Prosecutors are soliciting public tips and examining prior law enforcement contacts after Semanchik reported nearly a year of stalking and harassment by Santos.
  • Community members have launched GoFundMe campaigns and memorial events as county officials initiate a formal review of domestic violence response protocols.