Tragic Deaths of Columbus Dentist and Wife Under Investigation
A recent 911 call unveiled the distressing moment before authorities discovered a dentist and his wife dead in their Columbus, Ohio home. With their fifth wedding anniversary approaching, investigators are now on the hunt for the person responsible for the couple’s deaths. One caller bluntly informed the dispatcher about a body found inside.
Emergency responders arrived at the Tepe residence at around 10 a.m. on December 30, where they found 37-year-old Spencer Tepe and 39-year-old Monique Tepe deceased from gunshot wounds. Fortunately, their two young children were unharmed and located within the house. Police have indicated that they do not suspect suicide and see no signs of forced entry, and no firearms have been located.
Fox News Digital has obtained several 911 calls through public records. The first came from Spencer’s employer, Mark Valrose, who reported being on vacation in Florida at the time. Valrose expressed concern when Spencer failed to show up for work, as he was known for being reliable.
“Spencer works with me, but he didn’t come in today. We can’t get in touch with him. He’s usually punctual and always lets us know if there’s an issue,” Valrose relayed, clearly worried, especially since they couldn’t reach his wife either.
At 9:56 a.m., another caller reported hearing children’s voices but received no reply at the door. “I can hear the kids inside. I’m not sure if I should break down the door or what,” the caller said hesitantly.
A friend of Spencer’s called 911 at 10:03 a.m., stating they had come for a wellness check and found a body inside. “There’s a dead body,” the friend remarked, noting the grim situation. “He’s off the bed and lying next to it, covered in blood. We can’t get any closer.” It was evident that Spencer was not breathing.
Another friend mentioned that the last contact anyone had with Spencer was on December 29, assuring the 911 operator that he did not use drugs.
A fourth 911 call at 9:58 a.m. came from a co-worker seeking assistance from the police, triggering the investigation.
Former homicide detective Ted Williams commented that he suspects “someone they knew” may have committed the crime. He pointed out that the absence of forced entry suggests a relationship between the victims and their assailant, noting that the couple might have left the door unlocked.
Authorities recently released surveillance footage of a “person of interest” seen walking in an alley adjacent to the Tepe’s home, wearing a dark coat and light pants.
In a statement released by the couple’s family, they expressed their sorrow over the senseless loss, describing Spencer as a devoted father and a warm friend, and Monique as a loving and nurturing mother.
Rob Misley, Spencer’s brother-in-law, mentioned the couple married in 2021 and were looking forward to celebrating their fifth anniversary next month.
