> At a Glance
> – Spencer and Monique Tepe were discovered fatally shot in their Columbus home on Dec. 30 after a co-worker requested a welfare check.
> – Their two young children were found physically unharmed inside the house.
> – Police have released security footage of a hooded person of interest walking near the scene between 2 a.m.-5 a.m. that morning.
> – Why it matters: The double homicide has left two toddlers orphaned and a community searching for answers.
The quiet morning of Dec. 30 turned tragic when Columbus officers entered the Tepe residence and found both Spencer, a local dentist, and Monique dead from gunshot wounds. Their children’s cries led responders to the youngsters, who were unharmed but now without parents.
Newly Released Footage
Columbus police shared Monday evening video showing a lone figure in a hooded sweatshirt walking calmly through a snowy alley behind the couple’s home. The individual’s face is obscured and at one point they briefly lift their right arm toward their face.
Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law and now guardian of the children, told NewsNation:
> “I do think, you know, (it’s a) suspicious-looking person there. It also very well could be … somebody walking home drunk from a bar.”
Timeline and Investigation
- Killings believed to have occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30
- Co-worker alerted police after Spencer failed to arrive at his dental practice and Monique stopped answering calls
- Fundraising page organized by Audrey (Tepe) Mackie describes the couple as “proud parents” who showed “unwavering love” daily
| Key Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 30, 2-5 a.m. | Estimated time of homicides |
| Dec. 30, morning | Welfare check requested; bodies discovered |
| Jan. 5 evening | Police release person-of-interest footage |
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact 614-645-2228 or submit anonymous tips to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
Key Takeaways
- Two children are now orphaned following the targeted attack
- Police have no confirmed motive and the family states the Tepes had no known enemies
- A GoFundMe campaign aims to support the kids’ future needs
- The hooded figure remains unidentified; public assistance is critical
As the investigation continues, loved ones remember the Tepes for their community spirit and devotion to family.
