Columbus dental community shaken as Spencer and Monique Tepe found shot in Weinland Park; police release person-of-interest video
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus dental community is reeling after Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, were found fatally shot in their Weinland Park home Dec. 30; their two young children were unharmed. Police released person-of-interest video.
Key takeaways
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, a Columbus-area dentist, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39 — both found fatally shot in their Weinland Park home.
- Discovery & timing: Found about 10 a.m. Dec. 30 after Spencer missed work; investigators estimate the killings occurred between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- Children safe: Their two young children were discovered inside the residence and unharmed.
- Investigation: No weapon recovered, no signs of forced entry; police released surveillance showing a person of interest and have asked the public for tips.
Main story
What happened and how the scene unfolded
Columbus police responded after coworkers became concerned when Spencer Tepe did not show for work. A friend called 911 at 9:57 a.m., reporting crying children and no answer at the door; minutes later the caller reported seeing Spencer’s body. Officers arrived and found both Spencer and Monique with apparent gunshot wounds on the second floor of the home on North 4th Street in Weinland Park.
“There’s a body… he appears dead.”
Medical and timing details released by investigators
Investigators say the couple were likely killed between roughly 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30. According to police, Spencer was shot multiple times and Monique suffered at least one shot to the chest. Detectives noted no signs of forced entry and have not recovered a firearm at the scene. Early statements from investigators indicate they do not believe the deaths were a murder-suicide and are treating the case as a double homicide.
Prior 911 call raises questions
Police records include an earlier 911 call from April 15 at 2:45 a.m. from an unidentified woman at the Tepe residence. In that call the woman, heard crying, told dispatchers, “me and my man got into it” before canceling the response. Columbus dispatch logs do not identify the caller; police have not publicly tied that April call to the December killings but have included it in the public record for investigators to review.
Video released of a person of interest
On Jan. 5, Columbus police released grainy alley surveillance footage captured during the early-morning window when investigators believe the killings occurred. The recording shows a single person walking slowly through an alley wearing a hooded jacket and long pants, hands in pockets. Media descriptions vary slightly — some describe a dark coat and light pants, others describe jeans and a black hooded jacket. Police ask anyone who recognizes the individual to come forward.
Police appeal for tips; no arrests yet
As of the latest public updates, no arrests have been made and no suspect has been publicly identified. Detectives say tips are coming in and they are “working diligently” on the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
Family, colleagues and community response
Neighbors and friends have left flowers — roses and sunflowers — outside the Tepe home. Family members described the couple as loving parents and devoted partners, calling the loss “tragic and senseless” and saying they were “heartbroken beyond words.” Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, said he could not fathom who would “take two parents away from such young children.” Spencer had ties to Ohio State University and worked in the local dental community; his employer issued a statement expressing deep sadness and offering condolences.
How investigators are approaching the case
Detectives are carefully reconstructing timelines, analyzing forensic evidence and reviewing surveillance recovered from the area. The combination of no forced entry and no recovered firearm has led investigators to consider several scenarios, including a targeted attack, someone known to the couple, or an intruder who gained access without breaking doors or windows. Police continue to pursue leads from the public and forensic labs.
Context: Weinland Park neighborhood and community safety
Weinland Park is a mixed neighborhood of long-time residents and newer renters and homeowners. The double homicide has rattled neighbors and led to increased patrols and community outreach from local law enforcement. Residents have placed tributes outside the home and community leaders say they will work with police to reassure residents and gather tips.
Implications for San Diego, California
Local lessons: Though this is a Columbus tragedy, it offers practical reminders for San Diego communities and employers. Clinics and small businesses can review welfare-check procedures for staff who miss shifts; households can update emergency contacts and safety plans; social services and schools can prepare for trauma responses in children affected by sudden family loss. Local officials may also reference such events in conversations about community policing, patrol resources and funding for victim services.
Practical steps for San Diegans include:
- Confirm emergency-contact and welfare-check procedures when employees don’t report to work.
- Review household safety plans and share trusted contacts with neighbors and family.
- Ensure child and family services registrations are current to speed assistance when needed.
- Review neighborhood security footage if appropriate and share relevant material with police.
Reporting and source notes
This account draws on Columbus police statements and reporting from local and national outlets. Key sources include:
For tips or information related to the investigation: Columbus Police: 614-645-2228. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 614-461-8477.
