State Trooper who guarded governors kills ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend, then himself

The governor’s office is grappling with the fallout from a double murder-suicide involving a New Jersey State Police trooper who once served in the elite unit that protected two governors.

Trooper Ricardo Santos fatally shot his 33-year-old ex-girlfriend, Lauren Semanchik, and a 29-year-old man she had been dating, Tyler Webb, before taking his own life. Semanchik, a veterinarian, and Webb, a Berkeley Township firefighter, were found dead Saturday in Franklin Township, Hunterdon County. Santos was later found dead in a park in Piscataway.

Officials with direct knowledge of the incident confirmed the deaths. Multiple media outlets first reported the killings.

Santos had been a member of the executive protection unit, previously assigned to security details for Governors Phil Murphy and Chris Christie, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed.

“We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy,” said Mahen Gunaratna, a spokesperson for Governor Murphy. “Due to the ongoing law enforcement investigation, we will refrain from further comment at this time.”

Santos and Semanchik met online in early 2024, during a period when she was recovering from breaking both feet. Their relationship ended later that year.

According to NJ.com, Semanchik had sought a restraining order from Franklin Township police, which was not granted. She also reportedly contacted one of Santos’ colleagues for help, stating that Santos was harassing her.

At the time of the incident, Santos was no longer assigned to Murphy’s security detail. He had more recently been tasked with protecting visiting dignitaries, the New Jersey Globe has learned.

Semanchik grew up in Tewksbury and earned both her undergraduate and veterinary degrees from the University of Wisconsin.

“Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all,” the Long Valley Animal Hospital, where she worked, said in a social media tribute.

Her employer also noted that Semanchik volunteered with Lap Of Love, an organization that provides compassionate end-of-life care for pets.

“This involvement showcases her commitment to supporting families during difficult times and ensuring their beloved companions receive the utmost comfort and dignity,” the practice wrote.