In the quiet neighborhood of Weinland Park in Columbus, Ohio, a beloved dentist and his wife were found brutally slain in their home, sending shockwaves through the community. Spencer Tepe, 37, a dedicated dentist at Athens Dental Depot, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, a former childhood educator with a passion for baking, were discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds on the morning of December 30, 2025. The couple, who were just weeks away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, had built a life filled with love, family, and community service. Their two young children, ages 1 and 4, were unharmed in the home but have since been placed in the care of relatives, along with the family’s Goldendoodle dog. Police arrived after concerned colleagues and friends made frantic 911 calls when Spencer failed to show up for work—an uncharacteristic lapse for the reliable, Spanish-fluent professional known for his punctuality.

The scene was harrowing: no signs of forced entry, no weapon recovered, and three 9mm shell casings scattered on the second floor where the killings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Authorities quickly ruled out murder-suicide, treating the case as a targeted double homicide. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed the causes of death as gunshot wounds, with Spencer suffering multiple shots. As the investigation unfolds, questions swirl about how the intruder entered and escaped undetected, leaving the children safe downstairs. Motive remains elusive, with no clear indications of robbery or random violence. Columbus police have urged the public to come forward with tips, emphasizing the need for any video footage from the area during those early morning hours.

Adding a chilling layer to the mystery are shocking clues from a close friend of the couple. The friend claims to have witnessed Monique’s ex-husband loitering suspiciously outside their North 4th Street home just a week before the tragedy. This sighting, described as unnerving, has raised eyebrows among investigators, though no official connection has been confirmed. Compounding the intrigue is surveillance camera footage from nearby that captured a shadowy figure in a dark hoodie and light pants pacing an alley near the residence during the estimated time of the murders. This person of interest, whose identity remains unknown, appears deliberate in avoiding clear visibility, baffling detectives who are poring over every frame for leads. The video, released to the public on January 5, 2026, has sparked widespread speculation and calls for justice from the tight-knit community.

Spencer was more than a dentist; he was a devoted mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, guiding a young mentee named Hans Hernandez from first grade through college graduation. Hans, now an engineer in Wisconsin, credits Spencer for his success, recalling how the couple warmly welcomed his family into their lives. Monique, equally cherished, brought joy through her baking and deep family bonds. Tributes have poured in, with a private vigil held on January 6 for Weinland Park residents to mourn the loss of these “extraordinary people” whose home was a hub of laughter and connection. Family statements express profound grief and a commitment to protecting the children while seeking answers.

As days turn into weeks, the case highlights broader concerns in Columbus, where police have solved most 2025 homicides but face mounting pressure in this high-profile slaying. Detectives continue to follow leads, including analyzing digital footprints and interviewing acquaintances, but the absence of arrests fuels anxiety. Could the ex-husband’s alleged presence be the key to unlocking this puzzle? Or does the surveillance hold an even darker secret? The community remains on edge, hoping for closure in a tragedy that shattered a picture-perfect life. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Columbus Police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, as the hunt for the killer intensifies.