In the quiet Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, a routine morning turned into unimaginable horror on December 30, 2025, when 37-year-old dentist Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife Monique were discovered fatally shot inside their home. The couple, beloved for their warmth, generosity, and devotion to family, lay deceased while their two young children—a 4-year-old daughter Emilia and 17-month-old son Beckham—remained unharmed but alone in the house for several hours. What has haunted relatives and investigators most is the realization that little Beckham, unable to climb out of his crib on his own, likely spent those agonizing hours crying and trapped, waiting for help that came too late to spare him the trauma.
The sequence of events began when Spencer failed to arrive at his dental practice in Athens, prompting concerned coworkers to request a welfare check. A friend of the family, alarmed by the lack of response, also headed to the home in the 1400 block of North Fourth Street. Multiple 911 calls followed, with one caller desperately telling dispatchers he could hear children crying inside but could not gain entry. Police arrived, but an initial response mistakenly went to the wrong address, delaying access. When officers finally entered around 10 a.m., they found Spencer and Monique shot dead, with no signs of forced entry or a struggle beyond the fatal wounds. The children, in their nearby bedrooms, were discovered safe but distressed—Beckham still in his crib, likely having been awake and vocal for much of the time since the early morning attack.
Family members, including Spencer’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, have shared that Beckham’s cries were probably what the friend heard through the door. “We believe Beckham was unable to get out of his crib on his own,” Misleh explained in interviews. “It was at a time he would’ve been well awake by this time,” adding that the toddler had likely gone without food or comfort for hours. At just 17 months old, Beckham lacked the mobility to escape the crib rails, turning what should have been a safe sleep space into an unintended prison amid unimaginable circumstances. His older sister Emilia, though mobile, was too young to fully comprehend or assist, leaving both children isolated with their parents’ bodies nearby.
The tragedy unfolded in the aftermath of what police describe as a targeted attack between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30. Surveillance footage captured a figure in a dark hoodie moving through an alley near the home during those hours, but no weapon was recovered at the scene, and the house showed no ransacking. Investigators quickly ruled out murder-suicide, focusing instead on foul play. The children’s unharmed state suggested the perpetrator spared them intentionally, heightening the emotional weight of the case.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were remembered as a couple who “lived for their children.” Spencer, a dedicated dentist known for mentoring young professionals and officiating weddings for friends, brought joy through music and laughter at gatherings. Monique, with her background in early childhood education, transitioned to stay-at-home motherhood, where she excelled at baking, board games, and creating a nurturing home. Their last Christmas together—filled with gifts, movies, and family fun—now stands as a bittersweet memory. Emilia, in her custom princess dress for a fashion show at her grandparents’ house, had beamed under her parents’ proud gazes, while baby Beckham received endless cuddles.
In the days following the discovery, a GoFundMe campaign raised over $200,000 to support the children’s care and stability as they transitioned to living with extended family members. Relatives described the challenge of helping Emilia process the loss—her innocent questions about when she would see “mommy and daddy” again—while Beckham, too young to fully grasp the permanence, relied on the love and routines provided by aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Family members noted that Emilia carries her parents’ infectious energy, a small but poignant reminder of the light Spencer and Monique brought to the world.
The case has drawn national attention, with Columbus police facing questions about the initial welfare check mishap. Chief Elaine Bryant acknowledged the error, emphasizing that officers later corrected course and secured the scene. As the investigation continues, tips have poured in, and authorities have identified a person of interest linked to the couple’s past. The focus remains on justice for the parents while ensuring the children receive the support they need to heal.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the fragility of life and the profound impact of violence on even the youngest survivors. Beckham’s hours trapped in his crib—crying for parents who could no longer respond—serve as a stark symbol of the innocence caught in tragedy’s wake. For the Tepe family and community, the road ahead involves not only seeking answers but also preserving the legacy of love and kindness Spencer and Monique instilled in their children. As loved ones rally around Emilia and Beckham, the hope is that time, care, and memory will help mend what was so violently broken.
