Friends of an Ohio dentist and his wife, tragically found shot in their home, are struggling to understand the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Officials mentioned that a security camera positioned across the street might provide crucial evidence in this unsettling case.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were fatally shot on Tuesday in their Columbus home while their young children were present. Friends expressed disbelief, unable to fathom who could wish them harm. “Monique was such a lively and caring person, a fantastic mother,” shared Nick Wagner, a family friend whose wife was Monique’s close friend during graduate school.
When he was asked if he had any insights on what occurred, he simply said, “no” and chose not to elaborate.
The shooter, who escaped without leaving signs of forced entry, remains at large. Authorities believe the incident may have been recorded by a camera on a utility pole a few hundred feet away from the couple’s home, located at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and East Eighth Street in the typically tranquil Weinland Park neighborhood.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant has not yet confirmed whether the camera recorded anything pertaining to the incident.
According to police reports, Spencer was found with several gunshot wounds, while Monique had at least one gunshot wound to her chest. Investigators noted that no weapons were found at the scene, ruling out the possibility of a murder-suicide.
One of Spencer’s friends recounted discovering the dentist’s body near his bed and promptly notifying the dispatcher about the grim find.
The dental clinic that employed Spencer closed its doors on Friday as a sign of mourning. “He will be sorely missed by our team and the many patients he treated throughout the years,” said Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot, expressing condolences to the family during this devastating time. “Our practice will remain closed for the rest of the week.”
