Frantic 911 calls detail moments before Columbus dentist and wife found dead: 'There's a body'
Share and Follow

The distressing events leading up to the discovery of a Columbus, Ohio dentist and his wife, both deceased in their residence, are captured in multiple 911 calls. One urgent caller informed dispatchers bluntly, “there’s a body,” as authorities continue their investigation to find the person responsible for the double homicide, which occurred just before the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary.

According to reports, police arrived at the scene around 10 a.m. on December 30, where they found 37-year-old Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique, both dead from gunshot wounds. Fortunately, their two young children present in the home were unharmed. The police do not suspect a murder-suicide and noted there were no signs of forced entry, and no firearm was recovered, as reported by WSYX.

Fox News Digital acquired the four 911 calls through a public records request. The first call was made by Mark Valrose, Spencer’s employer and owner of Athens Dental Depot. Valrose, who was on vacation in Florida, expressed concern after Spencer failed to report to work, prompting worries among his colleagues.

“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 stated. “He is always on time and would contact us if there were 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.”

Spencer and Monique Tepe on vacation

Spencer and Monique Tepe were on the verge of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

At 9:56 a.m., another individual called 911 to report they could hear kids inside the Tepe household, but no one answered the door.

“I can hear kids inside, and I swear, I think I heard one yell, but we can’t get in at this point. I don’t know if I need to break the door in or just get in the house or what,” the caller said. 

One of Spencer’s friends called 911 at 10:03 a.m, saying they came to the Tepes’ house to do a “wellness check” and could see a body inside the house.

“There’s a body,” the person can be heard saying. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that.”

Spencer and Monique Tepe outside

Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead on Dec. 30. (Rob Misleh)

“I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything,” the caller said.

Spencer’s friend told the 911 operator that the last time someone spoke with him was on Dec. 29. The friend told the 911 operator that Spencer didn’t do any drugs.

Spencer and Monique Tepe wedding pictures

Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured in wedding photos. (Rob Misleh)

A fourth individual called 911 at 9:58 a.m., identifying herself as a coworker who wanted police to do a wellness check.

WATCH: Former homicide detective says piece of evidence left behind may lead police to Ohio couple’s killer

Former homicide detective Ted Williams told Fox News Digital he thinks “someone they know” killed the couple.

“The investigators in Columbus, Ohio, they’re having to work backwards from that crime scene, and this is what we know. We do know that there was no signs of forced entry. So, if there’s no sign of forced entry, that tells me that they either knew their victims, meaning the perpetrator, or the Tepes may very well have left their doors open,” Williams said.

Police on Monday night released surveillance footage showing a “person of interest” in the murders of Spencer and Monique.

The video, released by the Columbus Division of Police, shows the man walking slowly in an alley near the Weinland Park home where Spencer and Monique lived. He’s seen in what appears to be a dark coat and light-colored pants.

WATCH: Surveillance video shows “person of interest.”

In a statement released Friday, the couple’s family said they are “heartbroken beyond words,” and called the deaths “tragic and senseless.”

“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” read the statement. “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 statement said, adding that he was “intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming.”

Spencer and Monique Tepe on wedding day

Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured on their wedding day. (Rob Misleh)

Monique was described by family members as a “loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”

Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told WSYX that the couple was going to celebrate their five-year anniversary next month after getting married in 2021.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
IL gun violence prevention advocates protest at Chicago church to push for Responsibility In Firearm Legislation, or RIFL, Act

Illinois Activists Rally at Chicago Church to Urge Support for RIFL Act in Gun Violence Prevention Efforts

The financial toll of gun violence extends far beyond the immediate anguish…
Wealth tax threat prompts at least six billionaires to cut ties with California, with about 20 more mulling exit: report

Exodus of Billionaires: California Faces Wealth Tax Backlash as Ultra-Rich Flee State

The looming implementation of a hefty new wealth tax in California has…
Photos released of Renee Nicole Good, the US citizen killed by ICE in Minnesota

Images Unveiled of Renee Nicole Good, the U.S. Citizen Fatally Shot by ICE in Minnesota

Recently released images reveal Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, who was…
'CBS Evening News' No. 2 producer fired after Wednesday broadcast

Breaking News: CBS Evening News’ Top Producer Unexpectedly Terminated—Find Out Why

The No. 2 producer of “CBS Evening News” has reportedly been dismissed,…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Rubio takes aim at Israel's enemies in Venezuela

Rubio Targets Anti-Israel Forces in Venezuela in Fox News Report

Stay informed with Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter, which highlights the troubling…
What to know about Renee Good, woman killed in Minneapolis ICE shooting

Tragic Minneapolis ICE Shooting: Uncovering the Story of Renee Good’s Untimely Death

Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident and mother of two, was identified by…
'Irregular' armed guards aboard Russian shadow tankers alarm Nordic-Baltic governments

Nordic-Baltic Concerns Rise Over ‘Irregular’ Armed Guards on Russian Tankers: A New Maritime Security Threat?

The recent capture of an oil tanker with ties to Russia in…
Minneapolis ICE shooting today: Protest held in Little Village, Chicago area after DHS says CE officer shoots, kills woman in MN

Protest Erupts in Chicago’s Little Village Following Fatal ICE-Involved Shooting in Minneapolis

In Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, alongside other communities, protests erupted on Wednesday…