COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A memorial of roses and sunflowers is growing outside of Spencer and Monique Tepe’s Weinland Park home, as Columbus police continue to investigate a double homicide.
Officers responded to the home on N. 4th Street on Tuesday morning for a welfare check. Inside, a family friend and police found Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, dead from gunshot wounds.
Police said there were no obvious signs of forced entry, and no firearm was found at the scene. At this time, authorities do not believe the incident was a murder-suicide.
The welfare check was requested after Tepe failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, where he worked as a dentist. Athens Dental Depot owner, Dr. Mark Valrose, called 911, telling dispatchers that Tepe was always punctual and had not contacted anyone about being absent.
“He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues,” Valrose told dispatchers. “I don’t know how else to say this but we are very very concerned. This is very out of character for him. We can’t get in touch with his wife which is probably the more concerning thing.”
According to police records, the first call to Columbus police was made at 9:03 a.m. An officer initially responded at 9:22 a.m. but received no answer.
Several coworkers drove to the home to check on Tepe. One friend called the police again at 9:57 a.m. after hearing children crying inside the house but receiving no answer at the door. Minutes later, the caller reported seeing Spencer’s body inside the home near a bed, according to another 911 call.
“There is a body inside,” Spencer’s friend frantically told dispatchers. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead.”
Police confirmed that two young children were found inside the home unharmed.
New records released Wednesday indicate Spencer Tepe was shot multiple times, while Monique Tepe suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe,” said Dr. Valrose. “Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We appreciate the community’s thoughts and prayers.”
The Tepes married in 2021 and were one month away from celebrating their five year anniversary. Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, shared the couple’s wedding video with ABC 6 & Fox 28. They exchanged vows inside of their N. 4th St. home.
UPDATE: On Friday, Rob Misleh shared a statement from the family to ABC 6, reading:
Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique. They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others. Spencer was a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met. He was intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming. A graduate of The Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association, Spencer was fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to serving others. He gave back through Big Brothers Big Sisters, a huge Bengals and Buckeyes fan, and lived life with energy, laughter, and generosity. Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her. With a background in childhood education, she brought care and intention into everything she did. She was an excellent baker, a thoughtful planner, and someone who found joy in bringing people together. Her kindness made people feel instantly at home. Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. 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. We are heartbroken beyond words. 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.
