A young brother and sister, aged just four years and 17 months, are now facing life without their parents after a brutal double murder in their family home. Their father, dentist Dr Spencer Tepe, 37, and mother Monica Tepe, 39, were shot and killed upstairs while the children slept unharmed.
A Family Shattered in Weinland Park
The couple were discovered in their $700,000 home on N. 4th Street in Columbus's Weinland Park area on the morning of 30 December. A welfare check was requested after Spencer failed to arrive for his shift at the Athens Dental Depot practice.
Columbus police officers found Spencer with multiple gunshot wounds and Monica with at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Paramedics declared both dead at the scene. Tragically, the couple were just one month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.
The Search for a Hooded Figure
In a significant update, Columbus Police released eerie surveillance footage on Monday showing a hooded figure walking calmly through a snowy alley adjacent to the Tepe property. The video was captured between 2am and 5am on 30 December—the narrow window when the murders occurred.
Authorities have stated the deaths are being investigated as a double homicide and do not appear to be a murder-suicide. There were no obvious signs of forced entry, and no firearm was found at the scene. The investigation is now being led by Detective Weiner with assistance from Detective Miller.
Children Unaware of the 'Gravity of the Situation'
The victims' brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, spoke emotionally about the devastating impact on the family. He confirmed the children were physically unharmed but said, "They are young enough to not fully understand the gravity of this situation."
A GoFundMe page established for the children's future has raised over $163,000, which will be placed in a trust. The fundraiser description painted a picture of devoted parents, stating Spencer and Monica showed "unwavering love and devotion to their family."
Misleh emphasised that community support meant more than just financial contributions, noting Spencer's involvement with the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme. He expressed a patient hope for justice, acknowledging real-life investigations take time. "Finding whatever monster is capable of doing something like this... would make not just our family, but a lot of people be able to feel a little bit safer," he said.
The dental practice where Spencer worked released a statement expressing profound sadness. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe," said Dr Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot.
Columbus Police urge anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
