COLUMBUS, OHIO — Authorities in Ohio are searching for a suspect after a dentist and his wife were found shot to death inside their home, a case police say is not believed to be a murder-suicide. The killings have left a quiet Columbus neighborhood shaken and raised urgent questions about who may be responsible.
Welfare Check Leads to Grim Discovery
Columbus police officers were dispatched to the home of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, on Tuesday morning after a welfare check was requested. According to an incident report reviewed by ABC News, officers initially responded but received no answer at the door.
When police later gained entry to the home, they found both victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced Spencer and Monique Tepe dead shortly after arriving at the scene.
Multiple Gunshot Wounds, No Weapon Found
Investigators determined that Spencer Tepe had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique Tepe had at least one gunshot wound to the chest, according to local affiliate WSYX. Police reported no obvious signs of forced entry, and no firearms were recovered from inside the residence.
Authorities have stated that, based on the evidence collected so far, the deaths do not appear to be the result of a murder-suicide.
Children Found Safe Inside the Home
Two young children were also found inside the home and were unharmed, according to the police report. Scanner audio later indicated that a 911 caller believed they heard one of the children yelling inside the house before officers discovered the bodies.
The presence of the children has intensified concern among investigators and the local community as police continue to search for whoever carried out the killings.
Missed Work Prompts Emergency Call
The welfare check was requested after Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, where he was employed. The dental office’s owner, Dr. Mark Valrose, told 911 dispatchers that Tepe was known for being reliable and punctual.
“I’m on vacation, but this individual, Spencer, works with me, and he did not show up to work this morning,” Valrose said in a 911 call reviewed by ABC News. “We cannot get in touch with him, his wife, his family, anybody that lives in that house.”
Timeline of Emergency Calls
Police records show authorities were first contacted at 9:03 a.m., with an officer arriving at the residence at 9:22 a.m. but leaving after receiving no response. A second call came in at 9:58 a.m. from a person reporting that children could be heard inside the home.
A third 911 call was made shortly after when the same caller reported seeing Spencer Tepe’s body inside the house and believed he was deceased.
Family Remembers the Couple
The Tepes were married in 2021 and were just one month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, according to Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh. Family members described the couple as devoted parents and hardworking professionals.
Investigation Ongoing
Columbus police are actively investigating the double homicide and are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
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