They Survived the Cri::me Scene — But What Really Happened to the Ohio Dentist’s Chil::dren After Their Parents Were Mu::rdered?

Spencer and Monique Tepe’s two children are being cared for by “immediate family members” in the wake of their deaths

Spencer and Monique Tepe were “proud” parents to two children before they were killed in their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30.

The dentist and his wife were found fatally shot inside their home, and their two children were found unharmed elsewhere in the house. The Columbus Division of Police later shared in an incident report that they were investigating the couple’s death as a double homicide and not a murder-suicide.

On Jan. 5, authorities released footage of a person of interest in the Tepes’ deaths but have not named a suspect.

“We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident. Detectives are working diligently to solve this case. We will continue to update you as the investigation progresses,” the Columbus police said in a news release.

Since the Tepes were found dead, their two children — who are both under the age of 4 — have been cared for by immediate family members. Their family has also launched a GoFundMe to help support the kids.

Here’s everything to know about the two children of Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique Tepe.

Spencer and Monique Tepe were parents to two children

Spencer and Monique, who would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary on Jan. 30, welcomed two children together, per USA Today. Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister, told CNN that the couple shared a 4 year old daughter and a 1 year old son.

“We are heartbroken beyond words,” Misleh shared in a statement on behalf of the family, per ABC 6. “While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.”

Misleh added that Spencer was a “devoted and proud father” who was “deeply committed to serving others.” He went on to describe Monique as a “loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”

“Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship,” the statement continued. “They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love. They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection.”

In an interview with WLWT, Misleh shared that Spencer and Monique “lived for their children.”

“They’re just amazing parents,” he continued. “And their kids are beautiful. They did such a great job. And you know, we have a huge community that now will obviously step in and help raise these children.”

Spencer and Monique were found dead inside their home
Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe murder suspect in video footage.
Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe murder suspect in video footage.
Columbus Division of Police/Facebook
On Dec. 30, Spencer, 37, and Monique, 39, were found dead in the upstairs area of their Columbus home. Police officers entered the residence after responding to two requests for a wellness check, PEOPLE previously reported.

Spencer’s co-worker called 911 the morning of Dec. 30 after the dentist didn’t come to work, which he said was out of character, per CNN. In addition to Spencer’s colleague calling police, their neighbor also requested a wellness check after hearing children crying in the house, according to WLWT.

After police entered the home, they pronounced Spencer and Monique dead at the scene. The Office of Franklin County Coroner Nathaniel R. Overmire told PEOPLE that the apparent causes of death for the couple were gunshot wounds.

Police later shared that Spencer was found shot multiple times, while Monique was shot at least once in the chest, per WSYX. The Columbus Division of Police later revealed that they were investigating the deaths as a double homicide and not a murder-suicide, since no firearms were found inside the home.

On Jan. 5, Columbus police released a video of a person of interest who was seen walking in an alleyway near their home around their estimated time of death, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30.

The children were found unharmed in the home

A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to 1411 N. 4th St. where they found Monique and Spencer Tepe dead at the residence.
Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After officers responded to the wellness check and found Spencer and Monique, they also discovered that their young children were inside the home. They reported that the kids were unharmed.

One of the people who called authorities to check in on the Tepes claimed that they heard children crying in the home.

“I can hear kids inside, and I think I heard one yell,” the person told a 911 dispatcher, per CNN. “But, we can’t get in.”

Misleh later told NewsNation’s Banfield that he doesn’t believe the children were exposed to the crime scene and are “unaware” of their parent’s killings.

“As far as I know, I don’t think that they were. I don’t think that they saw what happened,” he said, while adding, “or at least I want to believe that with my heart.”

Their kids are being cared for by immediate family members

In the days following Spencer and Monique’s tragic deaths, their children have been cared for by “immediate family members,” according to a GoFundMe created by the couple’s cousin Audrey (Tepe) Mackie.

Misleh later told NewsNation that he and Spencer’s sister had been taking care of the children over the last few days.

“We have had them for the past couple of days … they were just as happy and, unfortunately, unaware as they ever could be,” Misleh said on Jan. 6. “But they’re in loving hands, and even more people are coming by their side to make sure that they’re taken care of.”

Their cousin has started a GoFundMe for the children

Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe.
Courtesy of Rob Misleh
Spencer and Monique’s cousin Audrey set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe for the children shortly after their parents’ deaths.

“The abrupt loss of Spencer and Monique has changed daily life in ways that are still unfolding,” Audrey explained in the description. “This fund exists to help provide stability and care for their children and the immediate family members who are supporting them during this time.”

Audrey described Spencer and Monique as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.”

“They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they showed up with unwavering love and devotion to their family,” she added.

Audrey thanked people for donations and for “helping support the children as the family, together, takes each day one step at a time.”

As of Jan. 6, the GoFundMe has surpassed $150,000 of the initial $200,000 goal.