Authorities are searching for a suspect after a dentist and his wife were discovered shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home just a day before New Year’s Eve. Their two children were found inside the house, visibly upset.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were found dead during a welfare check conducted by a family friend and the police on Tuesday. Local reports indicate that Spencer, who worked at a dental practice in Athens, suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique had at least one gunshot wound to her chest.
Police observed no signs of forced entry, and no firearms were located at the scene. They have stated that they do not believe this incident was a murder-suicide.
The welfare check was prompted when Spencer didn’t show up for work, which was unusual according to his boss, Dr. Mark Valrose. Valrose mentioned that Spencer was typically punctual and would communicate if he had issues.
“He’s always here on time, and he’d let me know if something was wrong,” Valrose expressed to the dispatcher, adding a note of concern about his friend’s absence.
A few colleagues decided to check on Spencer after they heard the sound of children crying inside the home. Around 10 a.m., one of his friends reported seeing the body near his bed.
The police arrived shortly thereafter and confirmed the presence of the two young children, who were unharmed. The incident has been classified as a double homicide.
The investigation into the murders remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to reach out to the Columbus Police Department’s Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Monique’s brother, Rob Misley, shared with local media that the couple married in 2021 and were just about to celebrate their fifth anniversary next month. A memorial with roses and sunflowers was set up outside the couple’s home on Wednesday.
