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Officials identify victims in Hunterdon County double homicide

Officers found two people, 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik, of Pittstown, and 29-year-old Tyler Webb, 29, of Forked River, with gunshot wounds.

Lauren Due

Aug 4, 2025, 10:53 AM

Updated 5 hr ago

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Two people were found dead Saturday inside a home in the Pittstown section of Franklin Township in what the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office believes was a targeted attack.
The New York Times is reporting a New Jersey state trooper is said to be a suspect in the shooting.
Around 12:20 p.m. Saturday, Franklin Township police responded to a report of an unconscious woman with apparent physical trauma at home on Upper Kingtown Road.
Officers found two people, 33-year-old Lauren Semanchik, of Pittstown, and 29-year-old Tyler Webb, 29, of Forked River, with gunshot wounds.
Semachik was a veterinarian at Long Valley Animal Hospital. Their post of Facebook says, "Not only was Lauren a phenomenal veterinarian, she was one of the kindest souls you could ever encounter."
Webb was a volunteer firefighter. Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company posted on Facebook announcing Webb's death.
Prosecutors believe the shooting was a targeted act but did not provide any further details. They say there is no danger to the public.
News 12 reached out to state police and the attorney general's office to confirm reports of the involvement.
In a statement, the office of the attorney general says:
"We are devasted by the tragedies that occurred this weekend. We will await the full results of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation before commenting further. But we extend our sincerest sympathy to the victims’ families and the loved ones, and pray for their healing as they endure an unimaginable pain."
State police referred questions to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
Mahen Gunaratna, spokesman for Gov. Phil Murphy, released a statement:
“We are shocked and devastated by this horrific tragedy. Due to the law enforcement investigation currently underway, we will refrain from further comment at this time.”