> At a Glance
> – Police have not publicly identified any person of interest in the Dec. 30 fatal shootings of Spencer and Monique Tepe inside their Columbus home
> – The couple’s young children were found physically unharmed in the residence
> – Grainy surveillance video shows a hooded figure near the home around the time investigators believe the killings occurred
> – Why it matters: Authorities are urging anyone with tips-even details that feel minor-to come forward as they work to avoid compromising the case
The investigation into the deaths of Spencer (37) and Monique Tepe (39) is stretching into its second week, yet Columbus police remain tight-lipped about potential suspects or motives.
What We Know
Officers discovered the couple’s bodies after responding to welfare-check calls the morning of Dec. 30. Both victims had gunshot wounds; investigators quickly labeled the case a double homicide, noting no weapons were recovered at the scene.
Police released alleyway surveillance footage recorded around the estimated time of the killings. The video captures a hooded individual whose face is obscured by poor image quality.
Why Details Are Scarce
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant explained the decision to limit public updates:
> “We want to make sure that we don’t compromise the integrity of this investigation. So when we finally identify a suspect and it goes to trial, we want to make sure that there’s nothing that could cause this case to be dismissed, or cause this case to be kicked.”
She added that detectives are examining every tip and “leave no stone unturned.”
Community Appeal
Since releasing the footage, detectives have received numerous tips. Authorities are asking residents to report anything they noticed:
- Sightings on the day of the incident
- Observations from the previous week
- Suspicious behavior that seemed trivial at the time
Anyone with information should call 614-645-2228 or submit anonymous tips to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
Key Takeaways
- The double homicide is not being treated as a murder-suicide
- The couple’s children, though present, were physically unharmed
- Police believe even small recollections could prove crucial
As the inquiry continues, investigators stress that patience and community cooperation may be pivotal in identifying whoever was seen near the Tepe home that night.
