A tragic manhunt is currently ongoing in Columbus, Ohio, as authorities seek the suspect responsible for the fatal shooting of a local dentist and his wife. This devastating incident comes just a month shy of the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous milestone.

The Columbus Police Department reported that they discovered the bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe during a routine wellness check at the couple’s residence on a Tuesday morning. Both victims had sustained gunshot wounds, with dispatch records indicating Spencer was shot multiple times while Monique suffered a fatal wound to the chest. Despite the harrowing scene, the couple’s two young children were found unharmed within the home.

In an update from WSYX, investigators have ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide. Notably, they did not recover any firearms from the scene, nor were there any indications of forced entry, adding layers of complexity to this already puzzling case.

This incident disrupts what was meant to be a period of celebration for Spencer and Monique Tepe as they prepared to mark five years of marriage. Now, instead of planning an anniversary, the focus has tragically shifted to seeking justice and answers for the untimely loss of two lives.

Spencer and Monique Tepe were preparing to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary. (Rob Misleh)

2 a.m. to 5 a.m.: Times police are requesting video from neighbors or witnesses.

The Columbus Police Department is requesting video from any neighbors or individuals between 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. in the area where the Tepes lived.

9:03 a.m.: First 911 call.

The first 911 call was placed by the owner of Athens Dental Depot, Mark Valrose, where Spencer worked. Valrose called 911 and requested police conduct a wellness check at the Tepe residence after Spencer didn’t show up to work. 

“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 said. “He is always on time and he would contact us if there is 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.”

9:22 a.m.: Columbus Police Department officer arrives at the Tepes’ house.

Following the 911 call, call logs obtained by Fox News Digital revealed that a Columbus Police Department officer went to the Tepes’ house and knocked on the front and back door “multiple times” with no answer.

9:57 a.m: Tepe’s friend calls 911 from their house, says they can hear kids.

One of Spencer’s friends went to his house and called 911 at 9:57 a.m., telling the dispatcher that he “thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling,” according to the call log.

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

10:04 a.m.: Another one of Tepe’s friends calls 911, reports seeing a body inside their house.

A separate 911 caller told the dispatcher that a body could be seen inside the Tepes’ house.

“We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in his blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that,” the caller said. “I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything.”

A baby was also heard crying inside the house, according to the dispatch records.

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

10:13 a.m.: Bullet casings are found by police.

At 10:13 a.m., dispatch records reveal that bullet casings were found at the crime scene.

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 was involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, his family said.

Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured in wedding photos. (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.