A Night of Unanswered Cries
On the evening of August 1, 2025, the quiet of Upper Kingtown Road in Franklin Township, New Jersey, was shattered by gunshots and screams. Neighbors frantically called 911, reporting the chilling sounds. Yet, despite a police officer spending 26 minutes investigating, the bodies of Lauren Semanchik, 33, and Tyler Webb, 29, lay undiscovered outside her home until the next day. The failure to locate the crime scene has left families heartbroken and demanding accountability, as they prepare to sue three police departments for systemic lapses.
A Devastating Loss for Loved Ones
Lauren Semanchik, a beloved veterinarian from Long Valley, and Tyler Webb, a mechanic and volunteer firefighter from Ocean County, had just begun their romance in May 2025. Their lives were cut short by Semanchik’s ex, State Police Lt. Ricardo J. Santos, who authorities say killed them before taking his own life in Middlesex County. The Semanchik and Webb families are reeling, not only from the loss but from what they describe as repeated failures by law enforcement. Jennine Semanchik, Lauren’s mother, called it a “dereliction of duty,” pointing to missed opportunities to protect her daughter from Santos’s stalking and the botched response to the 911 calls.
Facts and Figures of the Tragedy
Dispatch recordings reveal that Sgt. Kevin Bollaro responded to three 911 calls reporting gunfire and screaming between 7:10 p.m. and 7:19 p.m. on August 1. He acknowledged the calls at 7:14 p.m., checked the Upper Kingtown and White Bridge areas, but reported no findings by 7:40 p.m. The bodies were discovered the next day by Semanchik’s father. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office later took control of the Franklin Township Police Department, citing “serious concerns” about its effectiveness. Both Bollaro and the department’s chief were placed on administrative leave. The families’ lawyers allege Bollaro never visited Semanchik’s home, a claim supported by a neighbor who saw a police car drive by without stopping.
A Pattern of Systemic Failures
The tragedy highlights broader issues in police response and victim protection. Semanchik sought help from Franklin police on May 19, leaving a voicemail about Santos’s harassment, but received no follow-up. Video footage from her car showed Santos stalking her on the day of the murders. Nationally, domestic violence cases often strain police resources, with 1 in 4 women experiencing some form of partner abuse, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Semanchik case underscores gaps in addressing stalking and timely 911 responses, raising questions about training and accountability in small departments like Franklin’s, which lacks body camera footage for the incident.
Challenges in Police Response
Missed Opportunities to Intervene
Semanchik’s unanswered plea for help in May reflects a failure to prioritize stalking complaints, which experts say often escalate to violence. The lack of response left her vulnerable as Santos’s behavior intensified.
Inadequate 911 Response
Despite three detailed 911 calls, Bollaro’s 26-minute investigation failed to pinpoint the crime scene. Neighbor Daryl Hastings noted the officer’s car passed without engaging, suggesting a lack of thoroughness that could have saved lives.
What Lies Ahead for Justice
The Semanchik and Webb families are pursuing lawsuits against the Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, and New Jersey State Police departments, seeking accountability for negligence. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate, with interim leadership overseeing reforms. Community advocates are calling for better training on domestic violence and improved 911 protocols. The case may prompt New Jersey to revisit policies on stalking and police response times, offering lessons for other communities.
A Call for Change After Tragedy
The deaths of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb are a stark reminder of the consequences when systems fail. As their families seek justice for this NJ double murder, their fight shines a light on the need for better protection for victims of stalking and more effective police responses. Indianapolis faces similar challenges with utility costs, but in Franklin Township, the cost is measured in lives lost and trust broken.
