In brief
Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were discovered shot in their Columbus home during a wellness check on December 30, 2023. Their two children were found unharmed. Police believe the shooting occurred early that morning and have since released security footage of a person of interest. The couple is remembered fondly by family and friends as devoted parents and active community members.
Authorities have released security footage of a person of interest in the chilling murder of an Ohio couple who were found shot to death in their home last week.
Police in Columbus discovered Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife Monique, 39, with fatal gunshot wounds on the second floor of their residence during a wellness check at around 10 a.m. on December 30. Unfortunately, medical personnel pronounced them dead on the scene.
The couple’s two young children were present in the home but were unharmed, according to law enforcement.
Details of the Case
Several critical questions remain regarding the identity and motive of the individuals responsible for this tragic event.
Investigators believe the couple was fatally shot between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the day of their discovery. An official at the Franklin County Coroner’s Office indicated that the couple died from an “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds,” although formal reports will take several weeks to complete.
Security Footage Released
On Monday, police made public security footage of a person of interest seen walking in an alley adjacent to the couple’s home during the estimated timeframe of the attack. The individual is described as wearing light-colored pants and a dark hooded jacket. Authorities are urging the community to assist in identifying this person.
“We recognize the community's need for answers in this heartbreaking incident,” police stated. “Our detectives are rigorously working towards unraveling this case.”
Community Remembers Spencer and Monique
Family members shared touching statements about the couple, calling them “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connections to others.”
Spencer Tepe was an alumnus of Ohio State University, an active member of the American Dental Association, and contributed to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Known for his love of sports, he was a dedicated fan of the Bengals and Buckeyes.
Monique was celebrated as a “loving, patient, and joyful mother,” an enthusiastic baker, and a thoughtful planner, according to her family.
“They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they demonstrated unwavering love and commitment to their family,” commented Audrey Mackie, a cousin of the couple.
