Tragic Loss of Ohio Dental Couple Leaves Community Searching for Answers

In a heartbreaking discovery that has shaken the Columbus, Ohio community, Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique were found dead from gunshot wounds in their home on Tuesday morning. The couple, who would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary next month, were discovered during a wellness check initiated by concerned colleagues when Spencer failed to arrive at work. Two young children were found unharmed in the residence, adding to the tragedy’s poignancy. The Columbus Police Department is actively investigating the deaths, which they do not believe to be a murder-suicide, noting the absence of a recovered firearm and no signs of forced entry at the scene.

The alarm was raised when Dr. Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked, made a 911 call at 9:03 a.m., expressing deep concern over his colleague’s uncharacteristic absence. “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 told dispatchers. “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 worry prompted police to conduct a wellness check, with an officer arriving at the Tepe household at 9:22 a.m., though no one answered the door when they knocked.

The devastating discovery came shortly after, when one of Spencer’s friends went to the home and made a separate 911 call reporting “a body.” The caller described a heartbreaking scene: “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. I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything.” This second call transformed what began as concern for a missing colleague into a tragic homicide investigation that has left investigators searching for answers and a community in mourning.

The Athens Dental Depot, where Spencer had built relationships with colleagues and patients, shared their grief through a Facebook statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe, as well as his wife Monique. He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time.” These sentiments reflect the professional loss felt by those who worked alongside Spencer, while also acknowledging the broader personal tragedy affecting the Tepe family circle.

Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, provided a personal dimension to the tragedy when speaking to local media, revealing that Spencer and Monique would have celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary next month after marrying in 2021. This timing makes the loss even more poignant, cutting short what should have been a milestone celebration for the young couple. Their story—one of love, professional commitment, and family life—now ends with unanswered questions and a community left to wonder how such violence could touch the lives of people described by all who knew them as dedicated and reliable.

As police continue their investigation and seek the public’s help in identifying potential suspects, the case highlights the shocking nature of violence that can affect any community. The Columbus Police Department’s determination that this was not a murder-suicide, combined with the absence of forced entry, suggests complexities that investigators are still working to unravel. Meanwhile, two children have been left without parents, colleagues have lost a trusted professional, and families are left to mourn the sudden, violent end to lives filled with promise. The Tepe case now joins other tragic headlines of families destroyed by violence, leaving a community to grapple with both grief and uncertainty as they await answers about who could have committed such a devastating act.