The family of a dentist and his wife who were found dead in their home in Columbus’ Weinland Park neighborhood have released a statement calling the deaths “tragic and senseless” and remembering the couple as welcoming community members and dedicated parents to their two children.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead with gunshot wounds Dec. 30 at their home in the 1400 block of North 4th Street. Their two young children, a 1-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl, were also inside the home and unharmed, police said.
As of Jan. 3, Columbus police homicide detectives had not publicly identified a suspect in the shooting and had released little new information. Neighbors who spoke with The Dispatch are also rattled by the shooting and described the Tepes as ordinary neighbors.
Rob Misleh, Monique’s brother, said in a statement on behalf of the family on Jan. 2 that they were devastated and described the couple as “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,” Misleh said. “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, (he was) a huge Bengals and Buckeyes fan, and lived life with energy, laughter, and generosity.”
The family described Monique as 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,” the family said.
“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,” the family said. “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.”
Columbus police asking public to submit video, photos
Columbus police are asking anyone with surveillance video or photos of any suspicious people or vehicles in the area to submit the digital evidence via a QR code.
Police are looking for photos and video taken between midnight and 9 a.m. in the area bordered by Summit Street to the east, North Grant Avenue to the west and East 7th Avenue to the south.
The Dispatch saw a Columbus police crime camera at East 8th Avenue and North 4th Street near the Tepe home. A Columbus police spokesperson declined to say whether it captured anything related to the shooting, saying it was now part of an ongoing investigation.
