In a chilling development that has rocked the quiet neighborhood of Weinland Park, investigators probing the brutal double homicide of a local dentist and his wife are now exploring the possibility that the killer was no stranger to the victims. Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot to death in their North 4th Street home on December 30, 2025, leaving behind two young children who miraculously escaped unharmed. With no signs of forced entry and a mysterious prior 911 call surfacing, authorities are piecing together a puzzle that points to a potential personal connection, fueling speculation in this tight-knit community.
The grim discovery unfolded on a Tuesday morning when Spencer, a dedicated dentist at Athens Dental Depot, failed to show up for his shift – behavior described by colleagues as completely out of character. Dr. Mark Valrose, Spencer’s employer, sounded the alarm in a frantic 911 call, noting that the reliable professional “is always on time, and he would contact us if there were any issues.” Concerned coworkers and a friend soon arrived at the residence, where they reported hearing children’s cries emanating from inside. Peering through a window, one witness claimed to spot Spencer’s lifeless body near a bed, surrounded by blood. “There is a body inside. Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead,” the friend told dispatchers in a harrowing call around 9:57 a.m.
Columbus police responded promptly, forcing entry into the two-story home after initial welfare checks yielded no response. Inside, officers encountered a scene of horror: Spencer had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique was found with at least one fatal shot to the chest. Three 9mm shell casings littered the floor, but no weapon was recovered at the scene. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office quickly ruled the deaths as homicides, dismissing any notion of a murder-suicide. The couple’s two small children, whose ages have not been publicly disclosed to protect their privacy, were discovered safe but understandably distressed. They have since been placed in the care of relatives as the investigation intensifies.
What has elevated this case from a tragic shooting to a potential tale of betrayal is the absence of forced entry. Law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that the front door appeared undisturbed, and there were no indications of a break-in through windows or other access points. This detail has led detectives to hypothesize that the perpetrator may have been invited inside or had prior knowledge of the home’s layout – a revelation that suggests the killer could have been an acquaintance, family member, or someone trusted by the Tepes. “It changes the dynamics of the investigation,” one veteran homicide detective familiar with similar cases commented to local media. “Random acts often involve smash-and-grab elements, but this feels more intimate.”
Adding layers to the mystery is a previously unreported 911 call from the same address dating back to April 15, 2025 – nearly nine months before the murders. Audio obtained by investigators reveals an emotional woman, believed to be Monique, dialing emergency services around 2:45 a.m. to report a domestic dispute. Sobbing into the phone, she assured the operator that she was “OK” and “just emotional,” insisting the argument with her partner was not physical. “We gotten into it,” she said vaguely, before hanging up abruptly. When the dispatcher called back, the woman reiterated that no assistance was needed, and the incident was logged as a non-violent domestic matter with no further action taken.
While police have not confirmed the caller’s identity, the timing and location have sparked questions about underlying tensions in the Tepe household. Family members, however, paint a picture of a loving couple on the cusp of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. The pair tied the knot in 2021, blending their lives in Columbus where Spencer built a respected career in dentistry. Monique, described by neighbors as warm and community-oriented, supported her husband’s practice while raising their young family. “They were kind people, always waving hello,” one resident told reporters, as floral tributes of roses and sunflowers piled up outside the cordoned-off home.
Rob Misleh, Monique’s brother, broke his silence in an emotional interview with ABC News’ “Good Morning America,” expressing bewilderment over the senseless violence. “It makes no sense as to how somebody could do this,” Misleh said, his voice cracking. “What kind of person can take two parents away from such young children, and just two beautiful people away from this earth?” The family’s grief has resonated throughout Weinland Park, a diverse urban enclave known for its community spirit. On January 6, 2026, locals held a private vigil to honor the Tepes, with candles flickering against the winter chill as attendees shared stories of the couple’s generosity. “This hits close to home,” said event organizer Sarah Kline, a longtime resident. “We need answers to heal.”
As the manhunt enters its second week, Columbus Police Department has ramped up efforts to identify a person of interest captured on grainy surveillance footage. Released to the public on January 6, the video shows an individual strolling slowly through a snowy alley adjacent to the Tepe residence between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the night of the murders – the estimated window for the killings. Dressed in light-colored jeans or pants and a dark hooded coat, the figure keeps their head down and hands tucked into pockets, evading clear facial identification. “This person may have critical information,” Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua stated in a press briefing. “We’re urging anyone who recognizes the gait, clothing, or anything familiar to come forward.”
The department reports receiving numerous tips since the footage aired, with detectives working around the clock to vet leads. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest, anonymous submissions encouraged via 614-461-8477. In a bid to gather more evidence, officers canvassed the neighborhood for additional video from doorbell cameras and security systems, emphasizing the community’s role in cracking the case. “We’ve got a lot of eyes on this,” Fuqua added, though he declined to speculate on motives, citing the ongoing nature of the probe.
Retired FBI agent Phil Carson, analyzing the video for local outlets, noted the person’s deliberate pace as potentially indicative of reconnaissance. “They’re not rushing; it’s almost casual,” Carson observed. “That could mean they knew the area well or were scoping it out without drawing attention.” Such insights align with the no-forced-entry theory, prompting speculation about personal grudges, financial disputes, or even professional rivalries in Spencer’s dental field. However, authorities caution against jumping to conclusions, stressing that the investigation remains fluid.
The Tepes’ story has drawn national attention, highlighting broader concerns about gun violence and domestic safety in American suburbs. Weinland Park, once plagued by higher crime rates, has seen revitalization efforts in recent years, making this double homicide all the more jarring. Community leaders are calling for increased patrols and resources for mental health support, as residents grapple with fear and loss. “We can’t let this define us,” Kline said at the vigil. “But we won’t rest until justice is served.”
As of January 8, 2026, no arrests have been made, and the motive remains elusive. The children, now with extended family, face an uncertain future without their parents. Investigators promise updates as leads develop, but for now, the shocking possibility that the killer walked through an unlocked door – welcomed or not – hangs over this tragedy like a dark cloud. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities immediately.
In the wake of such violence, the Tepe case serves as a stark reminder of hidden dangers in everyday lives. Spencer and Monique’s loved ones continue to seek closure, their anniversary milestone forever overshadowed by unanswered questions. As the search for the perpetrator presses on, Columbus holds its breath, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring peace to a shattered family and community.
