A shocking double homicide has left a Columbus community in mourning after a local dentist and his wife were found fatally shot inside their home, with their two young children present and unharmed.
Grim Discovery During Welfare Check
The bodies of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, were discovered in their Weinland Park residence on Tuesday, December 30. The grim find was made after a family friend and Columbus police officers conducted a welfare check. The check was initiated after Tepe, known for his punctuality, failed to show up for work at the Athens Dental Depot.
His employer, Dr. Mark Valrose, told authorities it was extremely out of character. "He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues," Valrose stated, expressing deep concern. Several concerned co-workers drove to the home and, upon hearing children crying inside, insisted authorities enter the property.
Police Rule Out Murder-Suicide
Around 10 a.m., a friend of Spencer's reported seeing his body inside the home. Police arrived and confirmed the couple was dead. Spencer Tepe sustained multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique Tepe was shot at least once in the chest. Investigators noted there were no obvious signs of forced entry and no firearm was found at the scene.
Crucially, Columbus police said they do not believe the deaths were a murder-suicide, classifying the case as a double homicide. The couple's two children were found inside the home without any physical injuries.
Community Mourns and Investigation Continues
The Tepes were married in 2021 and were just one month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, according to Monique's brother, Rob Misleh. The community's grief was visible as a memorial with roses and sunflowers appeared outside their home on Wednesday, December 31.
The investigation into the murders remains active. Columbus Police Homicide Unit and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are urging anyone with information to come forward to help solve this tragic crime. The suspect or suspects remain at large.
