Franklin Township Police Suspended After Double Homicide 2025

On August 7, 2025, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office suspended the Franklin Township Police Department’s leadership, citing “serious concerns” about their effectiveness following the tragic double homicide in Franklin Township 2025. The victims, Lauren Semanchik, 33, and Tyler Webb, 29, were killed by Semanchik’s ex-boyfriend, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant, in a murder-suicide. Allegations of police inaction despite Semanchik’s repeated pleas for help have sparked outrage. How did this tragedy unfold, and what does it reveal about domestic violence response? This article explores the case, its implications, and community reactions.

The Double Homicide: A Tragic Outcome

On August 1, 2025, Lauren Semanchik, a veterinarian, and Tyler Webb, a mechanic and volunteer firefighter, were found shot to death in Semanchik’s Pittstown home. The perpetrator, New Jersey State Police Lt. Ricardo J. Santos, 45, killed himself in Piscataway the same night. Video evidence shows Santos followed Semanchik home from work at 6 p.m., with Webb arriving at 6:45 p.m. A neighbor reported gunshots and screaming at 7 p.m., but Franklin Township police, after checking the area, failed to locate the source or inspect Semanchik’s home. The bodies were discovered the next morning by a family member.

Police Inaction and Leadership Suspension

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office assumed control of the Franklin Township Police Department (FTPD) on August 6, placing Chief Timothy Snyder and Sgt. Kevin Bollaro on administrative leave. The move followed an investigation revealing “serious concerns” about FTPD’s operations, particularly their response to the August 1 incident. Semanchik’s mother, Jennine, told NJ Advance Media that her daughter had sought help from local and state police for nearly a year due to Santos’ harassment, including car keying and stalking, but received no effective assistance. The prosecutor’s office confirmed Semanchik’s attempts to secure a restraining order were unsuccessful.

Context: Trump Administration’s 2025 Actions

This case coincides with other high-profile Trump administration actions in 2025, reflecting a broader push for accountability and enforcement:

• UCLA Grant Freeze: On August 6, $584 million in UCLA research grants were frozen over antisemitism allegations, highlighting federal intervention in institutional failures.
• Intel CEO Demand: On August 7, Trump demanded Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s resignation over China ties, showing a willingness to target leadership for perceived lapses.
• Immigration Raids: A Los Angeles Home Depot raid on August 6 used deceptive tactics, raising questions about law enforcement accountability.
• D.C. Police Threats: Trump’s threat to federalize D.C.’s police underscores a pattern of challenging local authority.

The Franklin Township case fits this narrative of scrutinizing institutional responses, though it centers on local police failures rather than federal overreach.

Community Outrage and Calls for Reform

Semanchik’s and Webb’s families expressed fury over the police’s inaction. Angela Webb, Tyler’s sister, posted on Facebook, “We aren’t backing down,” signaling a push for justice. Jennine Semanchik criticized the lack of response to her daughter’s pleas, noting Lauren contacted Santos’ colleagues to avoid jeopardizing his job, yet no restraining order was issued. On X, users expressed mixed sentiments: some demanded systemic police reform, with posts like “How many more must die?” while others defended police, citing resource constraints. The prosecutor’s office is investigating Semanchik’s prior contacts with law enforcement, raising questions about domestic violence protocols.

Critical Perspective: Systemic Failures or Isolated Incident?

The suspension of FTPD’s leadership highlights systemic issues in handling domestic violence. Semanchik’s repeated attempts to seek help—through local police, state police, and even Santos’ colleagues—point to gaps in coordination and response. The failure to investigate gunshots on August 1 suggests operational deficiencies, as neighbors provided specific information. Critics argue this reflects broader challenges in rural policing, where resources and training may be limited. However, supporters of FTPD note that police often face ambiguous situations, and the absence of clear evidence at the scene may have constrained their actions. The case underscores the need for better domestic violence training and inter-agency collaboration.

Conclusion

The Franklin Township police suspension after the double homicide in 2025 exposes critical flaws in law enforcement’s response to domestic violence. The deaths of Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, coupled with the failure to act on Semanchik’s pleas, have fueled demands for accountability. As the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office investigates, this tragedy highlights the urgency of reforming how police handle stalking and harassment cases. Share your thoughts on this case in the comments and follow for updates on this developing story. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).