While two innocent people were being murdered, a police sergeant allegedly prioritized pizza and socializing over his sworn duty to protect and serve.
According to the Daily Mail, on August 1, 2025, Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb were shot and killed by Semanchik’s ex-boyfriend, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant, while a local responding officer delayed his response in favor of personal errands and leisure stops.
The double homicide took place at Semanchik’s home in Pittstown, New Jersey. Authorities identified the shooter as Ricardo Santos, a 45-year-old state police officer who subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his car.
Sgt. Bollaro Allegedly Disregarded Emergency Calls
Three separate 911 calls were made reporting gunshots and screaming in the neighborhood. Franklin Township Police Sgt. Kevin Bollaro received the first report at approximately 7:00 p.m. but allegedly chose to visit a bank instead of immediately responding.
Prosecutors say Bollaro also ignored two subsequent dispatch reports and failed to perform basic investigative procedures at the scene. GPS data contradicts his radio claims, showing he spent little time at contacts’ homes and never approached Semanchik’s property. He stayed less than seven minutes at the first caller’s location and failed to activate his body-worn camera. At the second address, his visit lasted roughly one minute. He never visited the third reporting party.
Alleged Dereliction: Pizza, Drinks, and a Cemetery
After requesting to be dismissed from the scene, Bollaro allegedly spent about 50 minutes at a local pizzeria. He then made another curious stop—nearly an hour socializing with patrons at the Pittstown Inn. That wasn’t the end of the detour. GPS data shows Bollaro parked for five additional hours at Locust Grover Cemetery, despite there being no related calls for service in that area.
The next day, it was not law enforcement but Semanchik’s own father who made the devastating discovery of the victims' bodies. Responding officers were called to the actual crime scene only after the tragedy had fully unfolded.
Prosecutors File Charges, Families Speak Out
Sgt. Bollaro is now facing charges of official misconduct and tampering with public records. He could receive up to ten years in prison and a $150,000 fine if convicted.
Despite these serious charges, Bollaro’s attorney, Charles Sciarra, has defended his client’s actions, stating, “Nothing Kevin Bollaro did or did not do that day impacted or could have stopped that tragedy in any way.” That defense doesn’t sit well with the victims’ families. Angela Webb, Tyler's sister, publicly demanded a maximum sentence, writing on Facebook, “I hope he serves all 10 years and thinks about this every single day.”
Families Mourn and Community Rallies
Angela described her late brother as “a goofball” and someone who brought joy wherever he went. “He was my all-day entertainment and venting buddy,” she said. “You simply couldn’t help but laugh and smile when you were with him.”
Semanchik’s grieving family expressed horror over the alleged misconduct. Their attorneys said, “The Semanchik and Webb families are shocked at Sgt. Bollaro's egregious conduct as charged by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor.” They also warned that Bollaro’s failure was likely “the tip of the iceberg” in a wider pattern of systemic negligence by both local and state police, contributing to the deaths of Lauren and Tyler.
Remembering the Lives Lost
Both victims were deeply cherished in their communities. Tyler Webb volunteered as a firefighter. Semanchik devoted her time to helping animals and working at Long Valley Animal Hospital.
Her employer launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised $97,000 for her family. The fundraiser described her as someone who was “deeply and unequivocally loved by her family” and known for her kindness and outdoor spirit. Semanachik had reportedly been harassed and stalked by Santos before the shooting. These warning signs, if acted upon with seriousness, might have led to protective action or intervention.
Calls for Systemic Reform and Justice
While prosecutors work their case against Sgt. Bollaro, public outrage continues to build. The sense of betrayal—by a law enforcement system trusted to protect—is palpable. People can accept tragedy; what they can’t accept is indifference from those who are paid and trained to prevent it. Whether or not Bollaro pulled the trigger, his alleged apathy enforced the silence that allowed a killer to act unchecked. His court date is scheduled for November 5. For the families of Semanchik and Webb, every second of delay was another betrayal—and they’re demanding a justice system answer for it.
