Breaking news: Dentist Spencer Tepe’s family breaks their silence in the murder case of their son and daughter-in-law

The family of a local dentist and his wife, both killed in a brutal home attack, has broken its silence for the first time—revealing harrowing details about the couple’s final minutes and their desperate effort to shield their two children from the attacker.

In an emotional statement released today, relatives said the couple “did everything humanly possible” to hold the intruder back long enough for their children to escape harm.

“They Were Fighting for Their Kids”

According to the family, investigators showed them kitchen CCTV footage recovered from inside the home—footage that documents the terrifying progression of the attack.

“They weren’t trying to save themselves,” a family member said. “They were trying to save their children.”

Police confirmed the video is central to the case and has been reviewed frame-by-frame by forensic analysts.

The 8-Minute Mark

Authorities say the most heartbreaking moment occurs approximately eight minutes into the recording. At that point, investigators say, the footage shows:

  • One parent positioning themselves between the attacker and the hallway

  • The other attempting to guide the children out of view

  • Clear signs of physical resistance and struggle, despite overwhelming danger

“That timestamp tells us this wasn’t quick,” a senior investigator said. “It was sustained. It was intentional.”

Why the Footage Matters

Until the video was recovered, investigators believed the attack unfolded rapidly. The CCTV reveals:

  • Extended resistance, contradicting earlier assumptions

  • Evidence the attacker was delayed, not immediately successful

  • Confirmation the children were not the intended targets

Police say the footage will play a critical role in reconstructing motive and intent.

Family’s Message

In their statement, the family asked the public to remember the couple not for how they died—but for how they lived and how they fought.

“They were parents until their final breath,” the statement read.

Counseling and victim-support services have been provided to surviving relatives and the children, who remain in protective care.

What Comes Next

Investigators are:

  • Enhancing the footage for further identification markers

  • Integrating it with forensic and ballistic evidence

  • Preparing the material for prosecutorial review

Police emphasized that no suspect has been publicly identified and that all persons of interest are presumed innocent until formally charged.

“That footage didn’t just show a crime,” an investigator said. “It showed love under fire.”

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.