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In a tragic turn of events, the Columbus community is grappling with the mysterious deaths of Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique. Authorities are still searching for answers as they investigate the deaths of the Ohio couple, found shot in their home last week. Despite extensive efforts, no arrests have been made, and investigators have yet to identify any suspects.
Recently, the police unveiled security footage that features a person of interest connected to this harrowing incident. However, the footage has not yet led to any breakthroughs in the case. The unsettling discovery occurred on December 30, around 10 a.m., when police conducted a wellness check and found the couple on the second floor of their residence, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Tragically, medical personnel who arrived on the scene later confirmed their deaths.
Amidst this heartbreaking situation, there was a glimmer of relief as it was confirmed that the couple’s two young children, who were present in the home at the time, were unharmed. This detail, however, raises more questions about the circumstances surrounding the couple’s death.
The community is left pondering numerous questions: Who could be behind this senseless act, and what could have motivated such violence against Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his 39-year-old wife, Monique? As the investigation continues, the answers remain elusive, leaving friends, family, and the wider public in search of closure.
Many questions remain about the case, including who might have killed the couple and why.
Detectives believe Tepes were shot between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the day they were found. A spokesperson for the Franklin County Coroner’s Office said in an email Tuesday that the couple died in an “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds” but that official reports won’t be completed for several weeks.
On Monday, police released security footage of a person of interest that shows the person walking in an alley near the couple’s home during the three hours in which investigators believe they were attacked. The person was wearing light colored pants and dark hooded jacket, and police asked for the public’s help in identifying them.
“We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident,” police said in a statement. “Detectives are working diligently to solve this case.”

In a statement, family members described the couple as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy and deep connection to others.”
Spencer Tepe graduated from Ohio State University, became a member of the American Dental Association and was involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. He was also a “huge Bengals and Buckeyes fan,” the family said.
Monique Tepe was a “loving, patient, and joyful mother,” an avid baker, and a “thoughtful planner,” it said.
“They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they showed up with unwavering love and devotion to their family,” wrote a cousin, Audrey Mackie.
Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told WBNS the couple and their home were a gathering place for family and friends.
“We are all dealing with something that one week ago from today we literally would have no idea this would be happening,” Misleh said.
Misleh said the family is exhausted, devastated and still in shock. He said the couple’s 4-year-old daughter and 17-month-old son, who were not harmed, are doing well.
“The kids are doing very well. They are young enough to not fully understand the gravity of this situation,” Misleh said.
Misleh said the family hopes the investigation leads to justice.
“Nothing can ever bring them back, but getting the justice that Mo and Spencer so deserve, finding whatever monster is capable of doing something like this, I think it would make not just our family, but a lot of people be able to feel a little bit safer,” he said.
As police continue their investigation, Misleh said the family is focused on planning funerals and honoring Spencer and Monique, whom he described as bright, warm and loving.
“Their house in Columbus was just like a center for us to join them and they were the glue of so many people and such a large community that they brought together,” Misleh said. “They are just so loving and welcoming to people. I have life-long friends now that I never knew because of those two people.”