Prosecutor Takes Over Franklin Township Police Amid Double Murder-Suicide Investigation

Double Murder-Suicide Investigation

• 🎯 A double murder-suicide investigation has led to the prosecutor's office taking control of the Franklin Township police department in New Jersey.
• 💔 The perpetrator, identified as a New Jersey state police trooper, allegedly stalked his ex-girlfriend, followed her home, murdered her and her boyfriend, and then killed himself.

Allegations of Police Neglect

• ⚠️ The family of one victim, veterinarian Lauren Seamanic, believes the Franklin Township police failed to adequately respond to their pleas for help.
• 🚨 Neighbors reported hearing screaming and gunshots, but the responding officer allegedly did not exit their vehicle or investigate door-to-door.
• ⏳ It was not until the following day that the bodies of Seamanic and her friend Tyler Webb were discovered.

Suspect and Victim Details

• 🔫 Investigators identified the suspect as New Jersey state trooper Ricardo Jorge Santos, who fled the scene and took his own life in a park.
• 💔 Santos and Seamanic had dated until the previous September, and he had reportedly been harassing the 33-year-old veterinarian.
• 🚗 Video evidence shows Santos following Seamanic home from work on the day of the murders.

Family's Perspective and Restraining Order

• 🗣️ Seamanic's sister expressed that the tragedy could have been prevented if police had taken the case seriously.
• ⚖️ Lauren Seamanic had been advised to get a restraining order but hesitated, believing it would be ineffective due to Santos being a state trooper.
• ❓ The family questions the actions of the responding officer, stating they were deliberately ignoring their duty and a cry for help.