COLUMBUS — Columbus Police are searching for the killer of a former Ashland dentist and his wife, who were found shot to death in their Weinland Park neighborhood home on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
According to police reports, Spencer Tepe 37, was shot multiple times, while his wife Monique Tepe, 39, was shot at least once.
The couple’s two young children, a 4-year-old girl and a 1-year-old-boy, were found alive and unharmed in a separate room from where their parents’ bodies were discovered in the house.
The case has made national news, garnering network broadcast news time and multiple stories posted by the New York Post.
According to authorities, three 9 millimeter shell casings were found inside the home, but no gun was recovered. Columbus police said there were no obvious signs of forced entry, but do not believe this was a murder-suicide, and are treating the case as a double homicide.
Family and friends have made a number of statements on social media about the couple.
“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” the Tepe family said in a statement published by NBC News.
“Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love. They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection.”
Spencer Tepe previously worked at Stone Creek Dental in Ashland before recently transferring to Columbus, where he was employed at Athens Dental Depot. The Tepes were married nearly five years ago in the home where their bodies were discovered.
Spencer Tepe was a 2007 Mason High School graduate who attended The Ohio State University.
“You never saw them without a smile on their face,” Rob Misleh, Monique Tepe’s brother, told WLWT5. “They were so warm. Their place in Columbus was just where everybody gathered. They always had people over. Always having fun. Just great people.
“They lived for their children. Spencer was an avid golfer. Mo was an avid runner. They still did those things, but they put those aside when, when the kids were born and their lives became about their children.”
Dr. Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot, was the first person to contact police on Dec. 30 when Spencer Tepe did not arrive for work.
In a post to social media, Valrose said Spencer would 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.”
Monique had a background in childhood education and loved baking, according to relatives.
“Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her,” the Tepe family said in a statement. “Her kindness made people feel instantly at home.”
Investigators are now seeking video, photographs or other digital evidence that may show suspicious people or vehicles in the area around the time of the shooting.
In a post on the department’s Facebook page, Columbus Police requested the public’s assistance in the case:
“The Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit is asking that anyone who may have video, photographs, or other digital evidence related to this incident, including suspicious individuals or vehicles, from Dec. 30 between (midnight) to 9 a.m. in the area bordered by Summit Street (East Boundary) to North Grant Avenue (West Boundary) and East 7th Avenue (South Boundary) to East 11th Avenue (North Boundary) use the attached QR code to upload that evidence to assist with the investigation.
“The submission may remain anonymous, and no account is required.”
In a statement released to CBS News, loved ones described Spencer and Monique Tepe as devoted parents and partners whose lives were centered on service, family and community.
“We are heartbroken beyond words,” the statement said. “While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477).
“Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love,” Misleh said.
“While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.”