Summary (tl;dr)

An Ohio dentist, Spencer Tepe, and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found fatally shot in their Columbus home on December 30, 2025, in what authorities are investigating as a double homicide; police have since released surveillance footage of a person of interest as the search for the killer continues.

Essential Background

Spencer Tepe, 37, a respected dentist, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, a teacher, were discovered deceased in their residence after Spencer failed to report to work, prompting colleagues and friends to request a welfare check. The couple's two young children, aged one and four, were found unharmed inside the home. Investigators quickly ruled out murder-suicide, noting that no weapon was found at the scene and there were no signs of forced entry into the home.

The Full Story

The Columbus Division of Police is actively investigating the deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe as a double homicide. On Monday, January 5, 2026, authorities released surveillance video showing a person of interest walking in an alley near the Tepe residence between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30, the timeframe during which the murders are believed to have occurred. The individual in the footage is seen wearing a dark, hooded top, with their face obscured. Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying this person, and detectives are diligently following up on numerous tips received from the community. As of now, no suspect has been identified, and a motive for the killings remains unknown.

Why It Matters

The tragic deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe have deeply affected their community and family, who remember them as devoted parents and partners. The ongoing, unsolved nature of this double homicide has generated significant public concern regarding safety and the pursuit of justice for violent crimes, particularly those impacting families. A fundraiser has been established to support their orphaned children.

Geographic Location

• Weinland Park neighborhood, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, United States (double homicide of Spencer and Monique Tepe)
• Athens, Athens County, Ohio, United States (location of Spencer Tepe's dental practice, which prompted a welfare check)