> At a Glance
> – Spencer and Monique Tepe were discovered fatally shot in their Columbus home on Dec. 30
> – Investigators list apparent cause as gunshot wounds, pending final autopsy
> – Police have not named any suspect or person of interest
> – Why it matters: The unsolved killings leave two young children orphaned and a community on edge
A welfare-check call led Columbus officers to the quiet residence of Spencer, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, where the married couple was found shot to death last week. Their deaths are now official homicides, yet authorities remain tight-lipped about possible motives or suspects.
The Discovery
A coworker’s concern that Spencer had missed work-something highly uncharacteristic-sparked the first knock on the door. When repeated calls to the pair went unanswered, friends arrived and heard the couple’s children crying inside.
> “We can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing,” Dr. Mark Valrose told dispatchers.
> “I can hear kids inside, and I think I heard one yell,” a friend relayed to 911. Officers forced entry and pronounced both adults dead at the scene.
Investigation Status
- Autopsies are underway; toxicology and additional tests are needed before the coroner signs off on final causes.
- The Franklin County Forensic Science Center would only confirm apparent gunshot wounds.
- Columbus police homicide detectives did not respond to media inquiries and have released no timeline for updates.
| Key Details | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Not disclosed |
| Suspect | None named |
| Children | Safe, supported by relatives |
| GoFundMe | Active for kids’ expenses |
Community Reaction
Relatives describe the Tepes as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.” A family statement shared by Spencer’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh says loved ones are “heartbroken beyond words” but committed to “seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice.”
Key Takeaways
- Police urge anyone with information to contact Columbus Police Homicide (614-645-4730) or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (614-461-TIPS)
- No arrests or persons of interest have been announced
- The couple’s two children are being cared for by family, with financial help from a GoFundMe campaign
As the investigation continues, detectives ask the public to share even the smallest detail that might help piece together the final hours of Spencer and Monique Tepe.
