Tragedy Strikes Ohio Community: Dentist and Wife Found Dead, Children Unharmed

In a heartbreaking development that has shocked Columbus, Ohio, police are conducting an intensive manhunt for the person responsible for the shooting deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe. The couple, who would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary next month, were discovered in their home on Tuesday morning with fatal gunshot wounds. In what authorities are describing as a targeted attack rather than a murder-suicide, Spencer was shot multiple times while Monique suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Perhaps most devastating about this case is that two young children were found unharmed inside the home when authorities arrived. Police have noted there were no signs of forced entry and no weapon was recovered at the scene, adding layers of complexity to an already tragic situation.

The timeline of events reveals a morning that began with growing concern from Spencer’s colleagues and friends when he failed to arrive at work. The first alarm bells rang at 9:03 am when Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked, called 911 requesting a wellness check. “Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family,” Valrose explained to dispatchers, his worry evident in his voice. “He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever… 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 events that would ultimately lead to the devastating discovery.

When police initially arrived at the Tepes’ residence at 9:22 am, they knocked repeatedly on both the front and back doors but received no response. The situation escalated when one of Spencer’s friends went to the house and called 911 at 9:57 am, reporting that he thought he heard children crying inside. Minutes later, at 10:04 am, another friend called emergency services with the grim news that they could see a body inside the home. “We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in his blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that,” the caller reported, adding that they could hear a baby crying inside. By 10:13 am, police had entered the home and discovered bullet casings at the crime scene, confirming their worst fears about what had transpired in the early morning hours.

Police are particularly interested in gathering evidence from the critical timeframe between 2 am and 5 am, when they believe the shootings occurred. They have issued requests to neighbors and anyone in the area who might have security camera footage during these hours. The absence of forced entry has led investigators to consider whether the couple may have known their killer, though authorities have not publicly confirmed any suspects or motives. The discovery that no weapon was found at the scene further supports the police theory that this was not a murder-suicide, but rather a deliberate attack by someone who then fled the location, leaving the children mercifully unharmed but tragically orphaned.

The family of Spencer and Monique released a heartfelt statement on Friday, describing themselves as “heartbroken beyond words” and characterizing the deaths as “tragic and senseless.” They painted a loving portrait of the couple, saying, “They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.” Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate, 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. His commitment to community service was evidenced by his involvement with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Monique was described by the family as a “loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her,” emphasizing the devastating loss of two parents who clearly cherished their family life.

The Columbus community has been left reeling from this shocking crime that has orphaned two young children and stolen the lives of a couple described by all who knew them as loving, dedicated parents and valued community members. Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, shared the heartbreaking detail that the couple was approaching their five-year wedding anniversary next month, a celebration they will never see. As police continue their investigation and search for the killer, neighbors and friends struggle to understand how such violence could visit a family that brought so much positivity to those around them. The case has highlighted both the shocking randomness with which tragedy can strike and the resilience of community bonds as friends, family, and colleagues rally to support the children left behind and to help bring justice for Spencer and Monique Tepe.