No Evidence of Revealed Identity for “Mysterious Stranger” in Tepe Double Homicide
The tragic deaths of Spencer Tepe, 37, a dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, in their Columbus, Ohio, home have gripped national attention since their bodies were discovered on December 30, 2025. The couple was found shot to death after coworkers and friends raised alarms when Spencer failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot. Their two young children—a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old—were found unharmed in the home, now cared for by family.
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The home on North 4th Street in the Weinland Park neighborhood—where the couple exchanged vows in 2021—was the site of a loving family life cut short just weeks before their fifth wedding anniversary. No signs of forced entry were found, and no firearm was recovered at the scene, ruling out murder-suicide early on. Investigators estimate the shootings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.
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Columbus police released surveillance video on January 6, 2026, showing a person of interest—a hooded figure in light pants and a dark jacket—walking in a nearby alley during the suspected timeframe. Tips poured in, but as of January 9, 2026, no arrests have been made, no suspect named, and no motive established.
A separate incident days earlier—a neighbor reporting a stranger banging on her door around 2:30 a.m.—added intrigue, though no direct link has been confirmed. An unrelated 911 call from the Tepe home in April 2025 about a “domestic dispute” was clarified by family as coming from a party guest, not indicating ongoing issues.
Family statements describe Spencer as a devoted father, fluent in Spanish, and passionate about Ohio State and Bengals football; Monique as warm and intentional, with a background in childhood education. A GoFundMe for the children has raised nearly $200,000, reflecting community support. Memorials with flowers and tributes continue outside the home.
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As of January 9, 2026, extensive searches across major outlets (CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, AP, Fox News, People, New York Post) and updates show no announcement revealing the identity of any “mysterious stranger” or suspect. The person of interest remains unidentified publicly, and the case is active with calls for tips to Columbus police (614-645-4730) or anonymous submissions to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (614-461-8477).
Claims of a dramatic revelation appear unfounded, highlighting how speculation can spread amid unresolved grief. The focus remains on justice for a family described as “extraordinary” and deeply connected.
