COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus dentist and his wife were found shot to death in their home on December 30, leaving their two young children unharmed inside as police launched a search for the killer just days before the couple's fifth wedding anniversary. Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered with gunshot wounds around 10 a.m. in their Weinland Park residence, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Authorities have ruled out a murder-suicide and noted no signs of forced entry, with no gun recovered at the scene.
The tragic discovery unfolded through a series of frantic 911 calls from concerned coworkers, friends, and neighbors, obtained by Fox News Digital through a public records request. The first call came at approximately 9:56 a.m. from an individual who reported hearing children inside the home but getting no response at the door. "I can hear kids inside, and I swear, I think I heard one yell, but we can't get in at this point. I don't know if I need to break the door in or just get in the house or what," the caller told dispatchers, highlighting the growing alarm among those close to the family.
Earlier that morning, Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked, placed a call from his vacation in Florida after noticing Spencer's unusual absence. "Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family," Valrose said. "He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever… we're very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we can't get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing." Valrose's concern underscored Spencer's reputation as a reliable employee and family man.
At 10:03 a.m., one of Spencer's friends arrived for a wellness check and made a chilling report. Peering through a window, the friend saw what appeared to be a body and immediately called 911. "There's a body," the person said bluntly. "Our friend wasn't answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here and he appears dead. He's laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can't get closer to see more than that." The caller added, "I can tell he's obviously not breathing or anything," and noted that the last contact with Spencer was on December 29, emphasizing that he did not use drugs.
A fourth call at 9:58 a.m. came from a coworker requesting police perform a wellness check, further illustrating the web of worry that enveloped Spencer's professional circle. These calls painted a picture of a routine morning turning into panic as Spencer's punctuality and responsiveness failed to materialize, prompting those around him to act swiftly.
Upon arrival, officers found Spencer and Monique dead from apparent gunshot wounds, while their two young children were safe and unharmed in the home. According to WSYX reporting, police believe the couple was targeted, with no evidence suggesting the deaths were self-inflicted. The absence of a recovered firearm and lack of forced entry have led investigators to focus on individuals known to the victims. "The investigators in Columbus, Ohio, they're having to work backwards from that crime scene, and this is what we know," said former homicide detective Ted Williams in an interview with Fox News Digital. "We do know that there was no signs of forced entry. So, if there's no sign of forced entry, that tells me that they either knew their victims, meaning the perpetrator, or the Tepes may very well have left their doors open."
Williams, drawing from his experience, suggested the killer was likely someone familiar to the couple. "Someone they know" killed Spencer and Monique, he opined, pointing to the intimate nature of the crime scene as a potential lead for detectives piecing together the timeline.
On Monday night, the Columbus Division of Police released surveillance footage capturing a person of interest near the family's home. The video shows a man walking slowly in an alley adjacent to the Weinland Park property, dressed in a dark coat and light-colored pants. Officials have not released further details about the individual's identity or connection to the case, but the footage represents a key piece in their ongoing investigation.
The Tepes' family issued a heartfelt statement on Friday, expressing profound grief over the "tragic and senseless" loss. "They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others," the statement read. Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was remembered as a "devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met," described further as "intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming." Monique was portrayed as a "loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her."
Rob Misleh, Spencer's brother-in-law, told WSYX that the couple had married in 2021 and were set to mark their five-year anniversary the following month. Photos shared by family showed the pair beaming on their wedding day, a stark contrast to the violence that ended their lives so abruptly. The impending celebration added a layer of heartbreak, as the family now grapples with planning memorials instead.
Columbus police continue to seek public tips in the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation remains active, with detectives combing through the couple's personal and professional networks for clues. No arrests have been made, and officials have not disclosed a motive, though the targeted nature of the attack suggests interpersonal conflict.
The incident has shaken the tight-knit Weinland Park community, where the Tepes were known for their warmth and involvement. Neighbors expressed shock in local reports, with one telling WSYX that the sounds of children playing had been a familiar backdrop to the quiet street. The safe recovery of the two young children provided a small measure of relief amid the devastation, as family members stepped in to care for them.
As the search for the perpetrator intensifies, the case highlights the vulnerabilities even in seemingly secure suburban homes. With no forced entry, questions linger about how the assailant gained access and escaped undetected. Police have not commented on potential suspects beyond the person of interest in the surveillance video, maintaining a focus on evidence gathering.
The broader implications of the Tepes' deaths ripple through Columbus, prompting discussions on home safety and community vigilance. Local officials have reiterated resources for crime prevention, while the dental community mourns the loss of Spencer, a respected professional at Athens Dental Depot. As investigators work tirelessly, the family holds onto memories of a couple whose lives exemplified joy and connection, now cut short by an unresolved tragedy.
For now, the Columbus Division of Police encourages tips via their non-emergency line or anonymous channels, emphasizing that even small details could crack the case. The quest for justice continues, as the community awaits answers in what remains one of the city's most perplexing homicides of recent years.