Authorities are searching for an individual who shot and killed a dentist, Spencer Tepe, and his wife in their home in Columbus, Ohio, only a month before their fifth wedding anniversary. The Columbus Police Department has released new footage showing the “person of interest” walking in an alley near the home before the couple was found fatally shot at the end of December.
Double Murder in Columbus
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot in their home after a wellness check was placed the morning of December 30, 2025. The owner of Athens Dental Depot, Mark Valrose, and Spencer’s boss called 911 after he failed to show up for work. He initiated the finding of the couple and their two young children, who were thankfully safe inside the home.
“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 said. “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.”
An officer arrived at the scene and knocked on the front and back doors several times, but received no answer. According to dispatch records, bullet casings were found at the scene. Both were found to be upstairs at the time of their deaths. Spencer was found with multiple bullet wounds, and Monique was shot at least once in the chest. Police do not believe this incident to be a murder-suicide as they did not recover a gun at the scene, but there were also no signs of forced entry.
One of Spener’s friends went to his house before 10 a.m. and called the police to report he “thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling.” According to the call logs, a separate 911 call was placed reporting they could see a body inside the Tepes’ 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 said. “I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything.”
Spencer and Monique Tepe
The Tepes’ family and friends released a statement on Friday, January 2, 2026, saying they are “heartbroken beyond words,” and said their loved ones’ deaths were “tragic and senseless.” Monique’s family described her as “loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.” Rob Misleh, Monique’s brother, told WSYX the two were supposed to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary next month.
“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” the statement read. “Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was known as a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met,” the family said, before adding he was an “intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming” individual.
The family also noted that Spencer was a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization that assists children in reaching their goals and achieving success in education, behavior, and self-confidence. One can only imagine the pain and grief they must feel at this moment. Police are desperately searching for the individual who did this to bring them to justice, so the Tepes’ families can begin to grieve properly. Members of the community will be gathering near the Tepes’ home for a vigil at 6:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, at Zora’s House, located at 1393 N. 4th St.
Video Footage of POI
The Columbus PD has released new video footage of the “person of interest” (POI) walking near the Weiland Park couple’s home around the time they were murdered. Authorities are requesting video footage from neighbors or any individuals who may have been in the 1400 block of North 4th Street area between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Tuesday.
The 30-second clip released to the media shows a person wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and light-colored pants walking in an alley near the home during the time frame they believe the couple was murdered. “We have received and are continuing to receive numerous tips from the community, which our detectives are following up on,” police said when releasing the video in an email.
“If you have information that could lead to the identity of the person in this video, please call 614-645-2228 or use the QR code provided. Anonymous tips may also be made to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.”
