Monique and Spencer Tepe were shot and killed.
Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were found dead on Dec. 30 in their home in the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Columbus’ Wineland Park neighborhood. Their two children were unharmed.
A killer is on the loose after a popular dentist and his wife were shot and orphaned in their Ohio home. The two young children were found crying but physically unharmed.
The bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe were discovered in their Columbus home on Dec. 30 after a concerned co-worker called 911. Police have not named any suspects, established a motive or released much information, leaving local residents in shock and fear.
The Columbus Police Department did not respond to a request for further information from USA TODAY on Friday, Jan. 2, as reported by Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY network. Police said Wednesday there were no signs of a murder-suicide.
A police dispatcher’s report obtained by the newspaper on Dec. 31 included mention of the police code for the robbery, but the department did not provide further details.
Meanwhile, the couple’s family is left devastated.
“These were extraordinary people who lived lives filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” the family said in a statement to USA TODAY. “We are heartbroken beyond words.”
Learn more about what we know about this crime and who Tepes is.
What happened to Spencer and Monique Tepe?
At 9:03 a.m. on Dec. 30, Columbus police received a call from a co-worker of Spencer Tepe, who was concerned that Tepe was not at work and the office could not reach him or his wife, according to a recording obtained through a public records request from the dispatcher.
“He’s always punctual and will let us know if there’s a problem,” a coworker said in a phone call to police. “I don’t know what else to say. We’re very concerned. This is very outrageous behavior.”
At 9:22 a.m., an officer reported there was no answer to the door and apparently left, records show.
At 9:57 a.m., a man called police and said he was at Tepesi’s home and could hear children’s voices inside. At 10:05 a.m., a friend called police from her home and reported seeing Spencer’s body lying next to her bed inside.
When police returned to the home, they found both Tepes dead inside. The children, ages 1 and 4, were not physically injured.
Who are Spencer and Monique Tepe?
Spencer Tepe was “a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met,” his family said in a statement to USA TODAY.
They said the 37-year-old was a big fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, was fluent in Spanish and “lived his life with energy, laughter and generosity.”
Monique Tepe, 39, said: “She was a loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”
“She was an accomplished baker, a thoughtful planner and someone who found joy in bringing people together,” her family said. “Her kindness made people feel at home right away.”
Tsepe and his wife were murdered a month before their fifth wedding anniversary, scheduled for January 30th. Video of the wedding shows the couple smiling from ear to ear, toasting their loved ones and exchanging tearful handwritten vows.
During his vows, Spencer told Monique that she was his best friend.
“We are very lucky,” he said. “I promise to never stop loving you and always keep working on us…I promise to always do my best to keep you smiling because your smile is my favorite thing.”
During her vows, Monique told Spencer she knew he was “special” from day one.
“It took me quite a journey to get to you: countless bad Bumble dates, wrong relationships, and a cascade of tears,” she said. “But it was worth all the cringing because it led me to you. Through all of this, I knew that God was leading me into my own person, and that when I met Him, it was going to be the most magical thing ever. And is that an understatement?”
The couple’s family said Spencer and Monique loved to travel and loved their Goldendoodle, Larry, and their children. The two “shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship” and “created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection.”
What is happening now?
Police are searching for a suspect in Tepe’s murder.
On Friday, they appealed to the public for help. They hope someone has videos, photos, or other digital evidence related to the crime. These include images of suspicious people and vehicles near Tepe’s home between midnight and 9am on December 30th. Click here for information on how to submit digital evidence.
As the investigation continues, the Tepe family has vowed to fight for justice.
“While no outcome can undo this loss, our family is committed to ensuring that this tragedy is brought to full and fair justice,” the statement said, adding that it would honor Spencer and Monique “by securing the future of the children they loved so deeply.”
