Columbus, Ohio – A manhunt is ongoing for the suspect responsible for the fatal shootings of a dentist and his wife, just weeks before they were set to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. Authorities discovered the bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe during a wellness check on Tuesday morning, following concerns expressed by Spencer’s employer.
Columbus Police responded to the residence after Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked, reported his absence that morning. Valrose described Spencer as reliable and punctual, noting it was unusual for him not to show up without explanation. When police arrived, they found both victims dead from gunshot wounds, with evidence suggesting Spencer had been shot several times, while Monique had at least one gunshot wound to her chest.
The couple’s two young children were found unharmed at the scene. Authorities have established that there was no sign of forced entry into the home, and they do not suspect a murder-suicide scenario, as no weapon was located at the crime scene. The investigation is now focused on uncovering more details surrounding the shootings, including reviewing any available surveillance footage from the neighborhood during the early morning hours when the incident likely occurred.
As investigations continue, police are asking local residents to share any video recordings captured between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the day of the shooting. Officers have noted that the timeline of events escalated rapidly. After the 911 call from Valrose, police arrived at the Tepe home, knocking multiple times with no initial response. Shortly thereafter, a friend of Spencer alerted authorities that he had heard children inside the house.
When another friend reached the scene, he reported seeing what he believed to be a lifeless body inside the home, which prompted further urgency in the investigation. By mid-morning, officers confirmed the presence of bullet casings, a crucial detail in the ongoing inquiry.
Family members expressed their heartbreak over the loss, describing the couple as extraordinary individuals who filled their lives with love. Spencer was remembered as a devoted father and community member involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Meanwhile, Monique was characterized by her warmth and nurturing spirit, particularly as a mother.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the impacts of violence within communities, prompting calls for unity and support for the Tepe family during this harrowing time. As investigators work diligently to piece together the events leading to this unimaginable loss, the city mourns the deaths of the couple who had so much life ahead of them.