> At a Glance
> – Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, found shot dead in their Columbus home on Dec. 30
> – Two young children discovered unharmed inside the residence
> – Police release video of hooded person of interest but no arrests made
> – Why it matters: The double homicide of a respected dentist and educator has shaken the local community as police search for answers
Columbus police are investigating the double homicide of Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique Tepe, who were found dead in their home last week, leaving behind two young children and a grieving family searching for answers.
The Discovery
Concerned colleagues and friends alerted authorities after Spencer failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, where he practiced dentistry and spoke fluent Spanish. Multiple 911 calls revealed growing worry as Monique also stopped answering phone calls.
> “He’s been reliable. We cannot get in touch with him, his wife, his family, anybody that lives in that house,” one colleague told dispatchers.
A neighbor who could hear the children playing inside made another call. Around 10 a.m. on Dec. 30, a final caller reported seeing a body and blood through the window.
> “There’s blood. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed, and there’s blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that,” the emotional caller said.
Investigation Details
The Franklin County coroner confirmed both victims died from gunshot wounds, ruling the deaths a homicide. Police recovered three 9mm shell casings from the scene and have eliminated murder-suicide as a possibility.
Key timeline:
- Dec. 30, 2-5 a.m.: Person of interest captured on video walking in alley near home
- Dec. 30, around 10 a.m.: Bodies discovered
- Present: No suspects identified, no arrests made
Remembering the Tepe Family
The couple, married in their home and just one month from their fifth anniversary, were remembered by family as extraordinary people who created a warm, loving environment for their children and Goldendoodle.
Audrey Mackie, Spencer’s cousin, described the family as “fantastic people” whose deaths have left relatives devastated.
> “I have never experienced anything close to this type of tragedy. It’s heartbreaking,” Mackie said. “The whole entire family is just really torn up.”
Monique’s background in childhood education and passion for baking complemented Spencer’s dental practice, creating what family described as “a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship.”
Person of Interest
Police released surveillance footage showing a figure in hooded jacket and pants walking through an alley during the estimated time of the killings. Investigators believe this individual may hold crucial information about the couple’s deaths.
Mackie acknowledged the limited nature of the footage: “The person could be anyone,” while expressing hope that the video generates tips to bring answers to their family.
Key Takeaways
- Double homicide occurred in Columbus home on Dec. 30
- Two children ages unspecified found unharmed in residence
- No motive established and no arrests have been made
- Police seeking public help identifying person seen in surveillance video
- Family describes victims as loving parents with deep community connections
As the investigation continues, the Tepe family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with information about who killed the beloved couple in their own home.
