> At a Glance
> – Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot to death in their Columbus home on Dec. 30.
> – Their two young children were inside the home but unharmed.
> – Police have not identified a suspect or determined a motive.
> – Why it matters: A family is shattered and a killer remains at large, prompting urgent pleas for tips.
More than a week after the double homicide, investigators have released only grainy alley footage of a hooded figure as the community reels from the loss of the beloved couple.
The Discovery
Concern mounted when Spencer failed to show up at Athens Dental Depot and Monique stopped answering calls. Colleagues told a 911 dispatcher the dentist’s absence was “out of character.”
- Several friends tried the house phone.
- One caller could hear the children playing inside.
- Around 10 a.m. a neighbor peered through a window and saw blood.
> “There’s blood. He’s laying next to his bed… I can’t get closer,” the caller sobbed to dispatch.
What Police Have Found
Crime-scene technicians recovered three 9 mm shell casings. Surveillance video captured a person walking behind the home between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. the same morning.
| Evidence Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9 mm |
| Casings found | 3 |
| Time window | 02:00-05:00 Dec. 30 |
| Camera location | Alley behind residence |
The coroner has ruled the manner homicide, but final autopsy results are pending.
Remembering the Tepes
The couple, married in their living room and one month shy of their fifth anniversary, filled their home with travel souvenirs, laughter, and a Goldendoodle.
> “They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection,” the family wrote in a statement.
Audrey Mackie, Spencer’s cousin, said the family is “really torn up” and hopes someone will recognize the person in the video.
Key Takeaways
- Double murder remains unsolved; no arrests made.
- Two children left physically unharmed but orphaned.
- Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with tips is asked to contact Columbus homicide detectives as the search for the killer continues.
