In the quiet aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy, the young daughter of slain Ohio couple Spencer and Monique Tepe has begun the heartbreaking process of saying goodbye to her parents. Four-year-old Emilia Tepe, described by family as a vibrant “ball of energy” with a big personality, recently bid farewell to her “mommy and daddy” in a moment that has touched the hearts of those supporting the grieving family. Amid the sorrow, a close relative has shared a poignant observation: the children’s infectious joy and spirit carry on the essence of their parents, offering a glimmer of hope in the darkness. “You totally see them kind of shine through her,” the relative told reporters, highlighting how Emilia’s lively nature mirrors the warmth and enthusiasm that defined Spencer and Monique.
The couple—Spencer Tepe, 37, a dedicated dentist, and Monique Tepe, 39, a loving stay-at-home mother—were fatally shot in their Columbus home in the Weinland Park neighborhood on December 30, 2025. Friends, worried after Spencer missed work and Monique failed to respond to calls, requested a welfare check. Police arrived to a devastating scene: the couple dead from gunshot wounds in their upstairs bedroom, while their two children—Emilia, then 4, and Beckham, 1—were found physically unharmed in a nearby room, along with the family dog. The discovery shocked the community, as the family appeared to embody stability, love, and joy.
Spencer and Monique had built a life full of connection and positivity. They met online, married in a private family ceremony on December 13, 2020, and welcomed their children soon after. Spencer, who practiced at Athens Dental Depot, was remembered as laid-back, kind, and deeply committed to his family and community. He participated in mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as a positive role model for young people. Monique, holding a master’s degree in early childhood education, had worked in daycare before becoming a full-time mom. She was known for her bright smile, infectious laugh, caring heart, and bubbly personality—qualities that made her a natural nurturer.
The tragedy left their children orphaned in the most sudden and cruel way. In the days following the murders, extended family members stepped in to care for Emilia and Beckham, shielding them from the full weight of the loss while grappling with how to explain the unthinkable. Relatives described the challenge of helping a 4-year-old process that she would never see her parents again. One family member spoke of the difficulty: wondering when the little girl would ask about her mommy and daddy, and how to respond to her innocent questions amid the confusion and grief.
The joint funeral service, held in early January 2026 at Schoedinger Northwest Funeral Home in Upper Arlington, drew over 1,000 mourners—a testament to the couple’s impact on their community. Visitation preceded a brief celebration of life, where friends and loved ones shared memories of a couple who lived with deep connection, generosity, and unwavering devotion to their family. Amid the tributes, the focus often returned to the children, whose future now depends on the love and support of those left behind.
Emilia’s goodbye to her parents marked a particularly tender and devastating milestone. In a quiet, age-appropriate way, she acknowledged the absence of her mommy and daddy, perhaps through words, drawings, or simple gestures facilitated by caring adults. The moment underscored the innocence lost and the resilience emerging. Family members noted that while the 1-year-old Beckham may be too young to fully comprehend, Emilia is inquisitive and intuitive enough to sense something is profoundly wrong. Yet, her big personality—full of energy and light—offers a living reminder of her parents’ legacy.
A relative emphasized this continuity of spirit, observing how Emilia’s traits echo those of Spencer and Monique. The daughter’s enthusiasm, her ability to light up a room, and her natural warmth are seen as direct reflections of the couple who raised her with so much love. “She’s got a big personality, not unlike her mom or her dad,” the relative shared. “You totally see them kind of shine through her.” This observation has provided a measure of comfort to the family, suggesting that even in profound loss, the essence of Spencer and Monique endures through their children.
The broader family continues to navigate the emotional and practical challenges. Spencer’s sister, Madeleine Tepe Misleh, and her husband Rob have been instrumental in supporting the children, sharing glimpses of the couple’s final happy moments—like Spencer’s beaming pride over handmade princess dresses for Emilia on Christmas Day. Monique’s siblings, parents, and grandmother also surround the young ones with love, ensuring they grow up knowing the stories of their parents’ kindness and joy.
As the legal process unfolds—with Monique’s ex-husband, Dr. Michael David McKee, charged in connection with the deaths—the family’s primary focus remains on healing and protecting Emilia and Beckham. The children represent not just survivors of tragedy, but bearers of their parents’ light. In Emilia’s goodbye, there is sorrow, but also a quiet promise: the love that once filled their home continues to shine through her, offering hope that brighter days may come for the family shattered on that fateful morning.
The story of Spencer and Monique Tepe is one of lives cut short, but their legacy lives on in the laughter of their daughter, the future of their son, and the unbreakable bonds of those who loved them. In the face of unimaginable grief, the family’s resilience and the children’s enduring spirit stand as a testament to the enduring power of love.
