Columbus dentist Spencer and Monique Tepe found shot; police release video of person of interest
Columbus police are investigating the Dec. 30, 2025 double homicide of dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, found shot in their Weinland Park home; their two young children were safely unharmed.
- Double homicide: Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot in their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30, 2025; investigators are treating the deaths as a homicide.
- No weapon, no forced entry: Authorities reported no weapon recovered and no obvious signs of forced entry, and they have ruled out murder-suicide.
- Person of interest released: Police released surveillance video showing a person of interest walking near the home and are seeking tips.
- Sources and tips: Reporting draws on statements to police and coverage from Fox News and ABC30.
Investigation details and timeline
Sequence of events: Columbus detectives estimate the shootings occurred between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2025. Family members and coworkers became concerned when Spencer Tepe failed to arrive at work at Athens Dental Depot. A friend later reported seeing what appeared to be a body through a window, prompting a welfare check.
Officers responded to the Weinland Park residence at roughly 10 a.m. and located both victims on the second floor. Two young children were inside the home and were unharmed. Investigators found no weapon in the house and reported no signs of forced entry, prompting authorities to treat the case as a double homicide rather than murder-suicide. (Sources: Fox News, ABC30, surveillance footage.)
Prior 911 call at the Tepe home
Public records show an earlier emergency call from the Tepe residence on April 15, 2025, at about 2:45 a.m., in which an unidentified woman told dispatchers, tearfully, “me and my man got into it.” The call was initially disconnected and the caller later told dispatchers officers were not needed. Columbus officials have not publicly tied that April call to the December killings; police say they are investigating multiple angles and have not announced a motive. (Source: Fox News.)
Person of interest — video and public appeal
On Jan. 2026, Columbus police released a surveillance clip showing an individual described as a person of interest walking slowly through an alley near the Tepe home on Dec. 30. The person is seen wearing a dark coat or hooded jacket with light-colored pants and hands in pockets. Investigators are canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing camera footage, and asking the public to report any information.
Police asked anyone who recognizes the individual or who was in the Weinland Park area late on Dec. 29 or early Dec. 30 to review doorbell, dashcam, and security-system footage and to contact detectives with tips. (See contact information below.) Sources include Fox News and ABC30, and the released video clip.)
Family, friends and community reaction
Friends and relatives described the Tepes as devoted parents and active community members. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate and practicing dentist, was remembered as warm and welcoming; Monique was recalled as a patient, joyful mother. Relatives called the deaths “tragic and senseless.”
“We are struggling to understand how two beautiful people were taken from their young children,” said brother-in-law Rob Misleh.
Neighbors in Weinland Park told local outlets they were shocked and saddened. Community leaders said they would coordinate with law enforcement to support the children and address neighborhood safety concerns. (Source: ABC30.)
What police are asking of the public
Investigators emphasized that community tips could be crucial. Police asked anyone who was in the Weinland Park area on Dec. 29–30 to review any recorded footage from doorbell cameras, dash cams, or security systems and to preserve and submit relevant clips. Anonymous tips are welcome.
- Columbus police tip line: 614-645-2228
- Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 614-461-8477
Implications for California
Why Californians might watch this case: The Tepe killings raise issues relevant to other jurisdictions, including community vigilance through camera systems, domestic-dispute response protocols, child-welfare coordination after sudden parental loss, investigative challenges when no weapon is recovered, and the balance between vigorous policing and due process for individuals identified as persons of interest.
- Public safety and neighborhood vigilance: Doorbell and neighborhood cameras can be pivotal; residents should preserve footage and report suspicious activity.
- Domestic dispute response: Early 911 contacts highlight the need to refine follow-up, risk assessment and support systems for families.
- Child welfare: Agencies and community organizations must be prepared to provide short-term care, counseling and financial help for children suddenly bereft of parents.
- Investigative capacity: The absence of a weapon and forced entry underscores the value of forensic resources, ballistic databases and inter-agency cooperation.
- Professional-community impact: Small practices and local professionals may need coordinated support when colleagues are lost to violent crime.
Reporting and sources
This article is based on reporting by Times Media Service and local coverage, including a detailed Fox News report on the earlier 911 call and discovery of the victims, and ABC30’s coverage of the released video and family statements. Police-released surveillance material is publicly available as video footage.
If you have information
Columbus police ask anyone with information to contact detectives at 614-645-2228. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Your tip may be vital to the ongoing investigation.
Further updates will be published as investigators release more details and follow leads in the Tepe double homicide and the search for the person of interest.
