A beloved Ohio dentist and his wife were found dead inside their $700,000 home after a welfare check revealed gunfire. Their two children survived but were traumatized; police have no suspects yet — and the investigation remains wide open.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were gunned down inside their Columbus residence on Tuesday morning. The couple, described by friends and family as extraordinary individuals whose lives were rooted in love, were found with multiple gunshot wounds following a welfare check initiated when Spencer failed to show up for work. Their two children, ages 1 and 4, were unharmed but witnessed the horror from inside the home, crying out as emergency responders arrived.
“Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship,” said Monique’s brother Rob Misleh in a statement released by the family. “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.”
The family emphasized their commitment to justice, stating that while nothing can undo this loss, they are determined to ensure the killer is brought to account — especially for the protection of their children. “We are heartbroken beyond words,” the family added. “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 confirmed Spencer was found with multiple gunshot wounds and Monique suffered at least one shot to the chest. No firearm was discovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry. Investigators do not believe the deaths were part of a murder-suicide scenario, despite initial speculation.
Crucially, surveillance footage may hold critical clues. Police stated that the suspect may have been captured entering the four-bedroom abode — located in Weinland Park — via a camera mounted on a utility pole just hundreds of feet away. Authorities are now analyzing the footage to identify potential leads.
Spencer, a graduate of Ohio State University and member of the American Dental Association, was known for his warmth and generosity. He supported local causes and was an avid fan of the Bengals and Buckeyes. His co-workers made the grim discovery when they arrived at the home and heard their children crying inside after he failed to appear for work.
Monique, who had a background in education, was remembered as a “loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.” Her family noted she brought care and intention into everything she did — qualities that made others feel instantly at home.
The couple married in 2021 and were just one month away from celebrating their fifth anniversary. Their tragic deaths shattered not only their community but also the hearts of countless friends and neighbors who knew them as pillars of kindness and compassion.
As authorities continue their investigation, they’ve urged anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. The suspect remains at large, and no arrests have been made. With no forced entry and no weapon recovered, the case remains shrouded in mystery — and the emotional toll on the surviving children is immeasurable.
This incident adds to a growing wave of domestic violence-related homicides across Ohio — particularly in suburban neighborhoods where such crimes often go undetected until it’s too late. The lack of physical evidence and absence of a clear motive make this case uniquely challenging for investigators.
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