A New Jersey township police department is now under the control of county prosecutors.
News From The States reports that the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office has assumed oversight of the Franklin Township Police Department following allegations that officers failed to properly respond to harassment complaints from a woman who was later murdered. The takeover occurred Thursday after growing concerns about the department's handling of domestic violence reports.
The supersession comes in the wake of a double homicide where Lauren Semanchik, 33, and her boyfriend, Tyler Webb, 29, were fatally shot by Semanchik's ex-boyfriend, New Jersey State Trooper Ricardo Jorge Santos. Investigators discovered Semanchik had previously reported Santos to local police for harassment, but allegedly received inadequate assistance.
Tragic Deaths Expose Potential Police Negligence
Franklin Township's Police Chief Timothy Snyder and Sergeant Kevin Bollaro have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues. Captain Paul Approvato has been appointed as interim officer in charge by County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.
The murders occurred on August 1 when Santos, a state police lieutenant who once served on Governor Phil Murphy's executive protection detail, shot both victims at Semanchik's home. According to investigators, Semanchik, a veterinarian, had dated Santos for approximately six months before ending their relationship in September of last year.
After their breakup, Semanchik reportedly experienced escalating harassment. Her sister told PIX 11 that Santos repeatedly called and texted Semanchik, vandalized her car, and even hid recording devices in her home, prompting Semanchik to seek police assistance in May.
Surveillance Evidence Reveals Timeline Of Events
Detectives quickly identified Santos as the primary suspect thanks to reports Semanchik had previously filed and video evidence from a surveillance system she had installed in her vehicle. The footage showed Santos' white 2008 Mercedes SUV following her as she left work on Friday evening.
The same camera system captured a man sneaking through wooded areas near her driveway shortly after she arrived home. Webb, a firefighter from Forked River, arrived approximately 30 minutes later. At 7:08 p.m., a 911 call reported gunshots and screaming in Semanchik's neighborhood.
Franklin Township police responded to the initial call but left after checking the area without locating the source of the disturbance. It wasn't until the following day, when another 911 call came in just after noon, that officers returned and discovered both victims deceased in Semanchik's home.
Murder-Suicide Confirmation Leaves Questions Unanswered
Santos was found dead later that same day inside his Mercedes SUV at a park in Piscataway. Investigators recovered a firearm from the vehicle, and the Hunterdon County Medical Examiner's Office determined he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The prosecutor's office expressed condolences to the families of both victims in an official statement. "This senseless and devastating loss has deeply affected our entire community," Prosecutor Robeson said, acknowledging that many questions remain unanswered despite the suspect's suicide.
The case has raised serious concerns about how domestic violence complaints are handled by law enforcement agencies. According to Deanna Semanchik, her sister had sought a restraining order against Santos but was allegedly told no one was available to help her at the police department.
Reform Measures Expected As Investigation Continues
The prosecutor's office has indicated the takeover of Franklin Township's police force will continue "until further notice" while a complete investigation of departmental operations and effectiveness is conducted. The move represents an unusual but necessary step to restore public confidence in local law enforcement.
Domestic violence prevention advocates are closely monitoring the situation as it develops. The case highlights potential gaps in protection for victims who report threatening behavior, particularly when the alleged abuser is a member of law enforcement.
The prosecutor's office emphasized its commitment to supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies despite the legal complications created by the suspect's death. Law enforcement experts suggest this case may lead to significant policy changes regarding how police departments respond to domestic violence complaints, especially those involving current or former officers.
