Assemblywoman Dunn calls for expanded domestic violence definition after Franklin Township double murder-suicide
TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn says the recent double murder-suicide involving Lauren Semanchik, her boyfriend Tyler Webb, and her ex-boyfriend — a state trooper — was a preventable tragedy that exposes major flaws in how law enforcement handles domestic violence cases.
On Aug. 1, authorities say Semanchik was followed home by her ex-boyfriend, Lt. Ricardo Jorge Santos, whom she had previously reported for harassment after their September breakup. The next day, Semanchik and Webb were found shot to death outside her Franklin Township home. Santos was later discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a white 2008 Mercedes SUV at Johnson Park in Piscataway, Middlesex County.
“Psychological abuse isn’t currently included in the definition of domestic violence, but it can be just as damaging as any physical assault and needs to be taken just as seriously. It is often the precursor to a violent incident,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.
According to reports, Semanchik had sought a restraining order after receiving incessant phone calls and texts, and after her car was vandalized and recording devices were planted in her home.
The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office has since assumed control of the Franklin Township Police Department following an investigation into a double homicide that has raised serious concerns about the department’s operations and effectiveness.
Dunn is now pushing legislation (A3236) that would expand the legal definition of domestic violence to include psychological and economic abuse. Under the proposal, incidents causing fear, serious alarm, or distress that substantially affect a person’s daily life could qualify as domestic violence offenses.
“This young woman feared for her safety and the system failed her in the worst way,” Dunn said. “We will never know if changing the language in the law would have made a difference in Lauren and Tyler’s lives or prompted an appropriate response by law enforcement, but if it means we can prevent a similar tragedy, New Jersey’s Legislature is obligated to act and act swiftly.”
