At a Glance
- Columbus police have received numerous tips after releasing footage of a person of interest walking near the Tepe home on Dec. 30.
- The bodies of Monique, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were discovered after co-workers requested a welfare check.
- Their two young children, 4 and 1, were found physically unharmed in the residence.
- Why it matters: Public help is now crucial as detectives sift through “tons and tons of evidence” in the double-homicide.
Columbus detectives are moving through a flood of tips tied to the New-Year’s-Eve-week killings of dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique, while the family voices trust that investigators are protecting the case’s integrity.
Surveillance Footage Spurs Leads
After releasing a short clip of a figure passing the couple’s home around the time of the Dec. 30 shooting, police fielded contacts from email, social media, phone calls, texts and walk-ins.
Assistant Chief Gregory Bodker said:
> “We know that people are concerned and we know that people have a lot of questions. What we’re asking for is patience as it relates to this investigation.”
Officers described the individual on video only as a person of interest and have not disclosed additional details.
Family Balances Frustration and Trust
Relatives understand the lack of daily updates can be hard, yet back the strategy.
Audrey Mackie, Spencer’s cousin, told News Of Los Angeles:
> “I think the family would like to know more, but we’re also in the camp of: these are professionals doing their job, and if it’s going to hurt the investigation in any way, then we’d rather it unfold in a way that they are willing to give out information.”
What Police Want Now
Investigators urge anyone who saw anything unusual in the neighborhood-even days earlier-to reach out.
Chief Elaine Bryant emphasized:
> “Even if you don’t think it’s something that’s relevant in that moment, it may have been something you saw last week. The smallest detail could help.”
| Contact Method | Information Needed |
|---|---|
| Columbus Police Tip Line | (614) 645-4730 |
| Central Ohio Crime Stoppers | (614) 461-TIPS |
Key Takeaways
- Surveillance footage released Jan. 8 generated multiple new tips.
- Detectives are processing extensive physical evidence while keeping details under wraps.
- The Tepe children are safe; officials have not announced any suspects.
As the second week of the investigation closes, detectives continue to ask the public to share anything they noticed near the Tepe residence on or before Dec. 30.
