Hunterdon County takes over Franklin Township PD over concerns into murder-suicide probe
The office will be overseeing the Franklin Township Police Department, supervising the day-to-day operations until further notice.
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The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office says there are “serious concerns” about the operations and effectiveness of the Franklin Township Police Department following the double murder-suicide that took place in the Pittstown section of town last week.
Prosecutor Renée Robeson announced Thursday that her office is overseeing the Franklin Township Police Department, supervising the day-to-day operations until further notice. She says this is a direct response to the homicides that happened on Aug. 1.
Officials say 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik and her boyfriend, 29-year-old Tyler Webb, were killed by State Police Lt. Ricardo Santos, Semanchik's former boyfriend, who later took his own life.
RELATED: Officials identify victims in Hunterdon County double homicide
Police responding to a 911 call found the victims Saturday afternoon. The prosecutor's office says there was an earlier call that came just after 7 p.m. the night before, some 17 hours earlier, reporting gunshots and screaming.
Franklin Township police officer reportedly "checked the area,” but did not locate the source of the shots or screaming.
According to the prosecutor, Semanchik also alleged that Santos had a history of harassment and controlling behavior after the relationship ended.
Semanchik's sister, Allison Semanchik, says Lauren called and visited Franklin Township police previously, but no restraining order was filed. She tells News 12 that she agrees with the prosecutor's concerns about the effectiveness of local police.
"It's a start, but it's just that...This didn't need to happen. Domestic violence is a real thing, especially when it comes to police,” says Allison Semanchik.
Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office Capt. Paul Approvato will serve as interim officer-in-charge.
Franklin Police Chief Timothy Snyder and Sgt. Kevin Bollaro have been placed on administrative leave by the township’s governing body.
The investigations into both the homicides and the department remain active.
