COLUMBUS, Ohio — Authorities in Columbus have released chilling surveillance footage showing a hooded figure walking near the home where a beloved dentist and his wife were fatally shot last month, intensifying the search for answers in the unsolved double homicide.
The video, shared by the Columbus Police Department on Instagram on Monday, captures the person of interest moving slowly through a snowy alley in the early morning hours of December 30. Dressed in light-colored pants and a dark hooded coat, the individual keeps their head bowed and hands in their pockets, just blocks from the North 4th Street residence in the Weinland Park neighborhood where Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were killed.
According to police, the murders occurred sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. that day in the upstairs of the couple's home. "Detectives believe the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Tepe occurred sometime between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on the morning of December 30th in the upstairs of their residence," the department stated in an online release accompanying the footage. The surveillance places the person of interest in the alley during that exact timeframe, prompting investigators to urge the public for any additional tips or videos from the area.
The Tepes' deaths were discovered after a coworker at Spencer's workplace, Athens Dental Depot, grew concerned when he failed to show up for his shift and did not answer calls. Officers first conducted a wellness check at the home but left when no one responded at the door. They returned later that morning after reports from coworkers and a friend who heard children's voices inside and spotted Spencer's body near a bed.
The friend placed a 911 call at 9:57 a.m., telling the dispatcher that he "thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling," according to call logs obtained by Fox News Digital. Upon re-entering the home, police found Spencer with multiple gunshot wounds and Monique shot at least once in the chest. Their two young children—a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl—were found unharmed in the residence, along with the family's dog. The children have since been placed in the care of relatives.
No weapon was recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry, according to investigators. Authorities have explicitly ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide, classifying both deaths as homicides. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital on Monday that the causes of death were "apparent homicide by gunshot wounds."
The release of the surveillance video comes as part of an ongoing manhunt for the perpetrator. "We have received and are continuing to receive numerous tips from the community, which our detectives are following up on," police said in their statement. The department has previously requested any footage from neighbors or passersby in the vicinity, emphasizing the role of public assistance in cracking the case.
Spencer Tepe, a dentist at Athens Dental Depot, and Monique, his wife of five years, were remembered by family and friends as devoted parents building a life "rooted in love." The couple was preparing to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary at the time of the tragedy. Wedding photos shared by acquaintances depict a joyful pair, underscoring the profound loss felt by their community.
The investigation has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases in the region, though officials have not linked it to any broader patterns. In a separate incident highlighted in recent reports, a son was suspected in the killing of a beloved doctor and his wife before torching a car and taking his own life, but that event occurred elsewhere and bears no apparent connection to the Tepes' deaths. Similarly, an Arkansas case involving a woman and children found dead after a divorce hearing has been noted in national coverage, but again, no ties have been suggested here.
Columbus police have outlined a timeline of events leading to the discovery: the initial wellness check, the 911 call, and the subsequent entry into the home. The lack of forced entry has raised questions about how the intruder gained access, though detectives have not disclosed details on potential motives or suspects beyond the person of interest in the video.
Community response has been swift and supportive. A GoFundMe campaign established to aid the Tepes' children has raised more than $146,000 as of the latest updates, reflecting the outpouring of grief and solidarity from friends, colleagues, and strangers alike. Contributions are earmarked for the children's immediate needs and long-term care, as the family navigates this unimaginable loss.
Local residents in Weinland Park, a quiet neighborhood known for its family-friendly atmosphere, expressed shock over the incident. One neighbor, speaking anonymously to local media, described the area as typically safe, adding that the snowy conditions that morning might have limited visibility for witnesses. Police have canvassed the alley and surrounding streets, collecting what they describe as "recovered video footage" that includes the newly released clip.
As the investigation stretches into its second month, detectives continue to sift through tips and evidence. The person of interest remains at large, and authorities are appealing directly to anyone who might recognize the figure or have information about unusual activity in the alley that night. "Ohio police hunt killer after dentist, wife found shot to death with children safe inside home," reads a timeline compiled by investigators, underscoring the urgency of the case.
The broader implications of the Tepes' murders ripple through Columbus's medical and dental communities, where Spencer was known for his dedication to patients. Colleagues at Athens Dental Depot have shared memories of his professionalism and warmth, while Monique's role as a homemaker and mother highlighted the couple's commitment to family life. The fact that the children emerged unscathed has been a small mercy amid the horror, but it also amplifies the trauma of the event.
Looking ahead, police anticipate more leads from the video's release, potentially including advanced forensic analysis of the footage. The department's Instagram post has garnered significant attention, with comments flooding in from concerned citizens offering prayers and pledges to assist. As winter thaws in central Ohio, the hope is that warmer weather—and continued public vigilance—will bring justice to Spencer and Monique Tepe, allowing their children to heal in a world forever altered by loss.
In the meantime, the Columbus Police Department encourages tips to be submitted anonymously through established channels, reiterating their commitment to resolving this case. The eerie silhouette in the snow serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved questions haunting the Tepe family and the community at large.