Prosecutor: NJ State Police Sergeant identified as suspect in Hunterdon County double homicide
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — A man and woman were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in what authorities are calling an apparent double homicide in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office announced Sunday.
Franklin Township police officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 12:22 p.m. Saturday reporting an unconscious female with visible physical trauma at a residence on Upper Kingtown Road, according to a news release from Prosecutor Renée Robeson, Chief of Detectives Timothy Drew, and Franklin Township Police Chief Timothy Snyder.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two deceased individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators believe the killings were a targeted act. The victims were identified as Lauren Semanchik, 33, of Pittstown, who worked at Long Valley Animal Hospital, and Tyler Webb, 29, of Forked River, a firefighter with the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company.
The case is under active investigation by the prosecutor’s office and multiple law enforcement agencies. Officials said there is no indication of any threat to the public.
Assisting in the response and investigation were the Franklin Township Police Department, Clinton Township Police, Town of Clinton Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Quakertown Fire Company, Hunterdon County Office of Emergency Management, and the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Sergeant David Petelle or Detective Quayshaun Brooks at 908-788-1129. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. All reports will be kept confidential.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In a Facebook post, the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company stated, “It is with a heavy heart and deepest regret that the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company announces the untimely passing of Firefighter Tyler Webb. Tyler served our department with dedication and honor. He held the positions of Chief Engineer, Past Lieutenant, and Past Trustee during his time with the company. His contributions to our company and community will never be forgotten. Please keep Tyler’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we share with our clients and community the tragic passing of our beloved Dr. Lauren Semanchik,” Practice Manager Jennifer wrote on the Long Valley Animal Hospital Facebook page. “Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter and a friend to us all While we have much more we can say regarding our thoughts, feelings and heartfelt stories of Dr. Semanchik, we will take a moment with our staff to navigate through this unprecedented process and remain closed through Wednesday 8/6. We ask for patience as our Long Valley Animal Hospital family mourns this devastating loss. One of our team members will reach out directly if you had an upcoming appointment with us this week. We will share information regarding donations in her honor and a memorial in the near future. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.”
