Columbus dentists Spencer and Monique Tepe found shot dead in Weinland Park home; police release person-of-interest video, seek tips
Columbus, Ohio (Times Media Service) — Columbus dentists Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30, 2025; police released surveillance of a person of interest and are urging the public to provide tips in the active investigation.
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered with apparent gunshot wounds on Dec. 30, 2025 (sources: Fox News; ABC30).
- Scene and children: The deaths occurred in Weinland Park; their two young children were inside the home and were unharmed (Fox News).
- Investigation: Police are treating the case as a double homicide, released surveillance of a person of interest, and are asking anyone with information to call 614-645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 (ABC30).
Investigation details and police response
Columbus police responded to the Tepe residence in Weinland Park at about 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 after a welfare check prompted by concerns from Spencer’s employer and a friend. Officers entered the home and found both adults deceased and the children safe; public records include a 911 caller who said, “He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood,” according to investigators (Fox News).
Detectives estimate the shootings occurred between roughly 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30 on the second floor of the home. Police have stated there were no obvious signs of forced entry and no firearm recovered at the scene, complicating efforts to reconstruct events (ABC30; Fox News).
Prior 911 call from the home
Records show a prior 911 call from the Tepe residence on April 15, 2025, at 2:45 a.m., reporting a “domestic dispute.” The unidentified female caller was crying, said, “me and my man got into it,” and later told dispatch she did not need officers to respond; that call is part of investigators’ review but has not been linked publicly to the Dec. 30 killings (Fox News).
Person of interest video and public appeal
Police released recovered surveillance footage that shows a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the Weinland Park home during the estimated 2–5 a.m. window. The subject wears a dark hooded coat and light-colored pants with hands in pockets. Authorities asked anyone who recognizes the person or who was in the area to come forward; tips may be made to Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or anonymously to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 (ABC30; Fox News).
Police also posted a police video showing the recovered footage; investigators say tips are coming and are being followed up on (ABC30).
Family, colleagues and community reaction
Family members called the killings “tragic and senseless.” Relatives remembered Spencer as a devoted Ohio State graduate, proud father and welcoming friend, and described Monique as a loving, patient and joyful mother. Monique’s brother, Rob Misleh, asked,
“What kind of person can take two parents away from such young children?”
(source: Fox News).
Spencer worked at Athens Dental Depot; his employer Mark Valrose contacted staff after co-workers noticed his unusual absence. Neighbors and colleagues described shock and grief in Weinland Park, a neighborhood that has seen recent investment and demographic change (Fox News).
Evidence, unanswered questions and next steps
Key unresolved issues include the absence of a recovered weapon and whether the victims knew the person shown in the surveillance footage. Detectives plan to pursue forensics, canvass neighbors for footage, interview associates, and review cellphone and financial records to build a timeline and seek a motive.
Investigators emphasize that even seemingly small details — a timestamp from a doorbell camera, a vehicle description, or a brief conversation — could be crucial to the ongoing probe (ABC30; Fox News).
Context: Weinland Park and neighborhood safety
Weinland Park, adjacent to Ohio State University, has experienced investment and change but remains vulnerable to sudden acts of violence. Community leaders say the shootings underscore how quickly a household can be affected and the importance of neighborhood vigilance and timely reporting.
Implications for the United States
This case raises broader concerns about home safety, law enforcement resources, and community response. For many readers it highlights:
- Public safety concerns: Even families in stable neighborhoods can face sudden violence, increasing anxiety in communities nationwide (Fox News).
- Investigation challenges: Limited physical evidence and missing weapons require extensive canvassing, surveillance review and public cooperation (ABC30).
- Community vigilance: Authorities rely on neighbors to review cameras and report tips; that cooperation can be central to solving cases.
- Support systems: The safety and care of the Tepe children will depend on family, community and social services rallying in the aftermath.
How to help and where to send tips
Columbus police ask anyone with information to call 614-645-2228. Anonymous tips can be reported to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Investigators note that timestamps, brief video clips, and vehicle details can be vital. More information will be released as the investigation continues (ABC30; Fox News; police video).
