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Columbus, Ohio, reeled from a devastating double homicide that claimed the lives of Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old cherished dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, a nurturing stay-at-home mother whose warmth touched everyone she met. The couple was found shot to death inside their beautifully renovated $700,000 home on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in the vibrant Weinland Park neighborhood on the morning of December 30, 2025. Miraculously, their two young children—a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son—were discovered unharmed but crying in another room, spared from the violence that shattered their family forever.
The discovery unfolded like a nightmare. Spencer’s employer, Dr. Mark Valrose of Athens Dental Depot—located 75 miles southeast of Columbus—grew alarmed when the reliably punctual dentist failed to arrive for work and didn’t respond to calls or texts. At 9:03 a.m., Valrose dialed 911, voicing deep concern: “This is very out of character for him.” Monique, too, was unreachable, heightening fears. Police conducted an initial welfare check, knocking on doors with no answer. Soon after, coworkers and friends arrived, hearing the children’s cries from inside. A family friend called emergency services again, leading officers to enter the home around 10 a.m. There, they found Spencer with multiple gunshot wounds and Monique with at least one to the chest. Both were pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m.
No firearm was recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry—details that have intensified the mystery. Columbus police quickly ruled out a murder-suicide, confirming the deaths as homicides and launching a manhunt for the fleeing suspect. A nearby police camera on a utility pole, just hundreds of feet away, may have captured crucial footage, offering investigators a potential breakthrough in this chilling case.
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Spencer and Monique Tepe were the epitome of a joyful, loving couple whose lives revolved around family, community, and simple pleasures. They married in January 2021 in the very home where tragedy struck—just one month shy of their fifth anniversary. A wedding video shared by Monique’s brother, Rob Misleh, captures their pure happiness: exchanging heartfelt vows, laughing with guests, and toasting to a future filled with love. “Their place in Columbus was just where everybody gathered,” Misleh told reporters, describing a home brimming with warmth, their beloved Goldendoodle adding to the lively atmosphere.
Spencer, a Mason High School graduate (class of 2007) and proud Ohio State University alumnus, earned degrees in Spanish and biology before obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2017. Fluent in Spanish, he was deeply committed to serving underserved patients and volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Colleagues and patients remembered him as “intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming,” with a larger-than-life personality infused with energy, laughter, and generosity. An avid Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Spencer lived life fully, balancing his demanding commute to Athens with cherished family time.
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Monique, with a background in childhood education, devoted herself to motherhood, raising their children with patience, joy, and an infectious warmth that made everyone feel at home. She loved baking, traveling, and bringing people together—qualities that defined her as a “loving, patient, and joyful mother.” Together, the Tepes built a life rooted in deep connection, love, and laughter, traveling often and creating memories that their extended family now clings to amid profound grief.
On January 2, 2026, the family released a poignant statement through Rob Misleh: “We are heartbroken beyond words… Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique. They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others… Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love.” The statement emphasized their commitment to justice and protecting the children’s future, now in the care of relatives.
Weinland Park, a revitalized neighborhood near Ohio State University known for its mix of historic homes and community progress, has been left shaken. Neighbors described the Tepes as “nice,” “ordinary,” and friendly, with no one recalling hearing gunshots despite occasional reports in the area. A growing memorial of roses, sunflowers, and heartfelt notes now lines the sidewalk outside their home—a sea of color symbolizing the light the couple brought to others. Residents expressed fear over the lack of arrests or motive details, with one saying, “They were such nice people.” The community, proud of recent crime reductions, views this as an isolated horror but remains vigilant.
As of January 3, 2026, Columbus police have provided limited updates, citing the active investigation. No suspects have been named, no motive disclosed, and the public has been urged to come forward with tips. Contact the Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymously at (614) 461-TIPS. Frantic 911 calls released highlight the urgency: coworkers hearing cries, friends discovering bodies—raw audio that underscores the terror.
This case evokes profound questions: Who could target such a wholesome family? Was it random, or personal? The absence of forced entry suggests the killer may have been known or gained trust. Security experts note such targeted home invasions are rare but devastating, often tied to unknown grudges or robberies gone wrong—though nothing appears stolen here.
The Tepes’ story resonates deeply because it shatters the illusion of safety in everyday life. A devoted couple, proud parents, community pillars—gone in an instant, leaving two toddlers to grow up without them. Athens Dental Depot closed temporarily in mourning, posting: “Spencer will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for.” Tributes pour in online, from patients recalling his kindness to friends sharing memories of gatherings at the North 4th Street home.
In a city touting progress, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of vulnerability. As investigators pore over evidence—ballistics, possible surveillance, timelines—the nation watches, hoping for swift justice. The children’s resilience, unharmed physically but forever changed, inspires the family’s vow to honor Spencer and Monique through their protection.
Heartbroken beyond words, the Tepe family and community seek answers. May justice come quickly, and may the memories of Spencer and Monique’s love endure.
