Nearly a week after the tragic shooting deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe in their Weinland Park home, the search for answers continues as investigators still have not identified a suspect or established a motive. The community is in mourning, as family, friends, and neighbors come to terms with this devastating loss.
On the evening of Monday, police released video footage showing a person of interest in the vicinity of the Tepe’s residence, walking in an alley. The killings took place between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on December 30, and the individual in the video is described as male, clad in a dark hoodie, and walking with his head down.
The couple was found deceased on December 30 after Dr. Spencer Tepe failed to appear for work at his dental office in Athens. Following concerns raised by colleagues and friends, authorities discovered their bodies shortly after 10 a.m. Thankfully, their two young children, aged 4 and 1, were found unharmed and are now being cared for by relatives, along with their family dog.
“This person didn’t just take two lives,” remarked Rob Misleh, Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law. He expressed the deep emotional impact of the tragedy, describing the loss as almost incomprehensible and stating that their family dynamic has been irrevocably altered. “Our entire lives are never going to be the same again,” he said. The children, while still young and unaware of the full gravity of their loss, are being showered with love and support from family and the community, which Misleh noted has been tremendous.
The Tepes were preparing to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary, and family members remember Monique as warm and charming, while Spencer was regarded as calm and kind-hearted.
As the investigation approaches its second week, Columbus police have not provided substantial updates and continue to appeal for public assistance. They are particularly interested in any video surveillance, photographs, or digital evidence from the hours surrounding the incident, especially from areas near Summit Street, North Grant Avenue, East 7th Avenue, and East 11th Avenue.
Authorities have reported no signs of forced entry or robbery, and no weapons have been recovered. This has raised concerns given the numerous surveillance cameras in the area, with residents noting the presence of more than two dozen cameras nearby, including police-controlled ones.
A memorial outside the Tepes’ home continues to flourish with flowers and personal items left by friends and community members. A GoFundMe campaign established to support the Tepes’ children has already garnered over $140,000, showing the outpouring of support from the community as funeral arrangements are being made.
Despite the heightened attention surrounding the case, Misleh expressed that the family’s priority is to ensure that investigators have the time needed to conduct a thorough investigation. “We’d rather have the investigation done right instead of fast,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation as it affects many lives.
Anyone with information regarding the person of interest or the events surrounding the case is encouraged to contact Columbus Police at 614-645-2228 or anonymously through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the Tepes’ loved ones will eventually find peace.