Tragedy Strikes Ohio Couple Just Before Wedding Anniversary
In a shocking turn of events that has left a community reeling, Columbus, Ohio police are investigating the tragic deaths of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, who were found shot to death in their home on December 30. The couple, who would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary the following month, were discovered after concerned coworkers initiated wellness checks when Spencer, a dentist, uncharacteristically failed to show up for work. What makes this case particularly heartbreaking is that two young children were found unharmed inside the home. Authorities have ruled out murder-suicide and noted there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the couple likely knew their killer. The absence of a weapon at the scene further points to a deliberate homicide rather than a domestic incident gone wrong.
The sequence of events leading to the discovery of the bodies reveals the growing concern that rippled through the Tepes’ circle of friends and colleagues. Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked, placed the first 911 call from Florida where he was vacationing. “Spencer is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever,” Valrose told dispatchers, highlighting how unusual Spencer’s absence was. “We’re very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.” This call set in motion a series of wellness checks that would ultimately lead to the heartbreaking discovery. Within minutes, three additional calls were made to 911, including one from a concerned individual who reported hearing children inside the home but receiving no response at the door.
The most chilling call came at 10:03 a.m. from one of Spencer’s friends who had gone to the house to check on the couple. “There’s a body,” the caller reported to 911 operators. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that.” The friend confirmed to operators that Spencer didn’t use drugs and that the last contact anyone had with him was on December 29, the day before the bodies were discovered. This timeline has become crucial for investigators trying to piece together the couple’s final hours and identify potential suspects in what police are treating as a double homicide.
Former homicide detective Ted Williams offered insight into the investigation, noting that the lack of forced entry is a significant clue. “If there’s no sign of forced entry, that tells me that they either knew their victims, meaning the perpetrator, or the Tepes may very well have left their doors open,” Williams explained. This theory gained traction when police released surveillance footage showing a “person of interest” walking slowly in an alley near the Tepes’ Weinland Park home. The video shows an individual in what appears to be a dark coat and light-colored pants, moving with a deliberate gait that suggests familiarity with the area. This footage has become a central piece of evidence as investigators work backwards from the crime scene, attempting to identify the person and establish any connection to the couple.
The Tepe family released a statement on Friday expressing their profound grief over what they described as “tragic and senseless” deaths. “They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” the statement read, painting a picture of a couple deeply committed to each other and their children. Spencer was remembered as “a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met,” with family members highlighting his intelligence, warmth, and welcoming nature. The Ohio State University graduate had built a respected career as a dentist and was known for his reliability and dedication to both his profession and his family. Monique was characterized as “a loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her,” leaving a legacy of maternal devotion that makes the circumstances of her death all the more heartbreaking.
The investigation continues as police work to identify the killer and establish a motive for the double homicide that has left two children without parents and a community searching for answers. Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, shared with local media that the couple was approaching their five-year wedding anniversary, having married in 2021. This poignant detail underscores the tragedy of lives cut short just as they were building a family and future together. As investigators follow leads and analyze evidence, including the surveillance footage of the person of interest, the Tepe family and the Columbus community remain in a state of shock and mourning. The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be upended by violence, leaving behind questions that may take time to answer and wounds that may never fully heal. For now, the focus remains on finding justice for Spencer and Monique Tepe and supporting the young children who have lost their parents in such traumatic circumstances.
