- Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds inside their Columbus home on December 30, 2025.
- Police discovered the bodies after a welfare check was requested when Spencer failed to report to work and could not be reached.
- The couple's two young children were inside the home and were not physically harmed, police said.
- Columbus police are treating the deaths as homicides, with no suspect, motive, or public identification announced as of January 2, 2026.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead inside their home on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, after police responded to a welfare check request when Spencer did not show up for work, according to an incident report from the Columbus Division of Police.
Officers found both victims inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced them dead at the scene, police records stated. The couple’s two young children were also inside the home and were not physically harmed.
Welfare Check Prompted After Spencer Missed Work
A caller identified as the owner of the dental practice where Spencer worked told dispatchers he became worried after Spencer, described as typically punctual, did not arrive and could not be reached. The caller also said they were unable to contact Monique, according to reporting that cited the 911 call.
Co-workers later went to the home to check on the family, according to the same reporting.
Callers Reported Hearing Children Inside
In another 911 call cited in national reporting, a caller told dispatchers they could hear children crying inside the house but could not get in. A subsequent call reported that someone could see a body inside the home, according to local coverage that referenced emergency call audio.
Police later entered the residence and confirmed Spencer and Monique were dead, according to the incident report described in coverage of the case.
No Suspect Named as Homicide Investigation Continues
Columbus police are investigating the deaths as homicides. As of Friday, January 2, 2026, authorities had not publicly identified a suspect, announced a motive, or said whether the couple was targeted.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
Family and Community Reaction
Loved ones described the couple as devoted parents. A family member also shared a statement expressing shock and grief, according to reporting.
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