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6h ago

Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Takes Charge of Franklin Township Police Following Mishandled Murder-Suicide Investigation

The prosecutor’s office cited failures to protect the victim from stalking, seizing command to address accountability gaps in local policing.

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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  • Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée Robeson superseded the Franklin Township Police Department, placing Chief Timothy Snyder and Sgt. Kevin Bollaro on administrative leave and appointing Capt. Paul Approvato as interim commander.
  • Prosecutors reviewed surveillance footage from the victim’s vehicle that shows State Police Sgt. Ricardo Santos following Dr. Lauren Semanchik to her home before he allegedly shot her and her boyfriend, Tyler Webb, then died by suicide.
  • Franklin Township officers responded on Aug. 1 to reports of screams and gunshots but left without locating the source, and the bodies were discovered the next morning by a family member.
  • Investigators continue to gather forensic evidence, solicit public tips and examine prior police interactions after Semanchik’s repeated attempts to secure help and a restraining order went unanswered.
  • The case has intensified scrutiny of domestic violence response protocols and officer accountability within New Jersey law enforcement.