In a harrowing incident that has shaken the quiet community of Weinland Park in Columbus, Ohio, the brutal murders of dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were uncovered through a series of frantic 911 calls from concerned friends and coworkers. The couple was found shot to death in their four-bedroom home on December 30, 2025, leaving their two young children physically unharmed but orphaned in the aftermath of unimaginable violence.

Spencer Tepe was a dedicated dentist at Athens Dental Depot, known for his compassionate care and reliability. Colleagues described him as someone who never missed work without notice, which raised immediate alarms when he failed to arrive on the morning of December 30. Monique Tepe, a loving mother, shared a close-knit life with her husband, focusing on their family. The pair had been together for years, building a home filled with the sounds of their 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son playing. Their dog also remained safe during the ordeal, adding to the mystery of how the tragedy unfolded without disturbing the household pets or children.

The discovery began unfolding around 9 a.m. when Spencer’s employer, sensing something was wrong after unanswered calls to both Spencer and Monique, dialed 911 to request a welfare check. This was followed by another call at 9:57 a.m. from a worried friend who arrived at the home and heard the children inside yelling, but received no response at the door. The situation escalated dramatically by 10:05 a.m., when the same friend, growing increasingly alarmed, entered the home for a wellness check. Inside, they encountered a gruesome scene: Spencer’s body lay beside the bed in a pool of blood, unresponsive and not breathing. Reports indicate blood was scattered throughout the area, painting a picture of a violent confrontation. The friend noted that their last contact with Spencer had been the previous day, emphasizing the sudden and shocking nature of the event.

Authorities estimate the killings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., with Spencer suffering multiple gunshot wounds and Monique at least one to the chest. No signs of forced entry were evident, no weapon was recovered, and the incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide or linked to robbery. The children were found safe in another part of the house, likely in their own room, and are believed not to have witnessed the crime. Family members, including Spencer’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, have taken custody of the kids. The family is now grappling with the heart-wrenching task of explaining to the 4-year-old girl that she will never see her parents again, while the 1-year-old boy may have no lasting memories of them. Efforts are being made to keep the children distracted and surrounded by love during this traumatic time.

As the investigation enters its second week on January 7, 2026, Columbus police have released surveillance footage from a nearby alley showing a person of interest—a figure in a dark hoodie walking calmly with head down during the critical timeframe. Detectives are appealing to the public for any video, photos, or digital evidence from midnight to 9 a.m. on December 30, expanding the search area to include surrounding streets like Summit Street and East 7th Avenue. A makeshift memorial of flowers and mementos has grown outside the home, symbolizing community grief. A crowdfunding campaign for the children’s future has raised over $140,000, reflecting widespread support.

This tragedy has heightened concerns about safety in suburban neighborhoods, prompting discussions on home security and the unpredictability of violence. With no arrests yet, the community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice to bring closure to a family forever altered. The eerie silence following the screams serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can shatter.