In a stunning development that has intensified scrutiny around the double homicide of Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, records reveal a 911 call reporting a “domestic dispute” at their home just months prior to their brutal slayings. The couple was discovered shot to death on December 30, 2025, in their Weinland Park residence in Columbus, where they had exchanged wedding vows and built a life together. Tragically, the murders occurred a mere month before what would have been their fifth wedding anniversary, transforming a place of love into a scene of horror.
Spencer Tepe was a beloved dentist at Athens Dental Depot, celebrated for his gentle patient care and unwavering professionalism. Colleagues remember him as punctual and kind-hearted, often going the extra mile for those in his community. Monique Tepe, equally cherished, was a nurturing mother who prioritized her family above all. Together, they parented a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son, creating a home filled with warmth and routine joys. Their dog, too, emerged unscathed from the tragedy, adding to the enigma of how violence infiltrated their sanctuary without harming the innocents.
The chilling discovery began when Spencer failed to appear at work, prompting his employer to call 911 for a welfare check around 9 a.m. Subsequent calls from frantic friends escalated the urgency; one heard the children’s cries inside but got no answer at the door. Upon entering, a friend stumbled upon the gruesome sight: Spencer’s body beside the bed in a pool of blood, and Monique nearby, both victims of fatal gunshot wounds. Spencer had been shot multiple times, while Monique suffered at least one to the chest. Authorities ruled out murder-suicide, noting no signs of forced entry or robbery, and estimated the killings between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Now, the revelation of a prior domestic dispute call has sparked widespread speculation. Occurring months earlier, the incident involved reports of arguing, though details remain sparse. This new layer challenges the image of a perfect marriage, raising questions about underlying tensions or external threats. Investigators have remained tight-lipped, but the release of surveillance footage showing a shadowy figure in a dark hoodie trudging through a nearby alley during the critical hours has fueled public interest. Police are urging tips on this person of interest, expanding their search with community-submitted videos and digital evidence.
As the probe marks its second week on January 7, 2026, a private vigil is planned for Weinland Park residents to honor the Tepes, reflecting the community’s grief and solidarity. A GoFundMe for the orphaned children has swelled beyond $140,000, ensuring their future amid the heartbreak. Family members, including Spencer’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, who now cares for the kids, have expressed skepticism about the video’s relevance, suggesting it might depict an unrelated wanderer.
This case has ignited discussions on domestic safety and the hidden fractures in seemingly stable lives. With no arrests, Columbus remains vigilant, pondering if the domestic call holds the key to unraveling the motive. The Tepes’ story, once one of marital bliss, now serves as a poignant reminder of vulnerability, as justice seekers piece together the puzzle in hopes of closure for two tiny survivors.
