Columbus dentist couple found shot in Weinland Park home; months-old 911 call, new video raise questions in Columbus Tepe family murders
A Columbus family is mourning after dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30; their two young children were discovered unharmed and are now in family care.
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot in their Weinland Park home Dec. 30; two children, ages 4 and 1, were inside and unharmed. Sources: Fox News, 6abc, Columbus police video
- Investigation: Police found no weapon or signs of forced entry, do not believe it’s a murder-suicide, and have released surveillance of a person of interest; no suspect has been identified. Sources: 6abc, Fox News, Columbus police video
- Public appeal: Officials ask anyone with video, photos, or tips from midnight–9 a.m. on Dec. 30 in the Summit St./North Pearl St./E. 7th–11th Ave. area to call 614‑645‑2228 or 614‑461‑8477. (police video)
Scene and discovery
How the deaths were found: Investigators say the bodies were discovered after Spencer failed to arrive at work. His employer and a friend grew concerned; a friend performed a welfare check at about 10:03 a.m. on Dec. 30 and reported seeing a body through a window, then called 911. In the 911 audio the friend says,
“He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood.”
(Source: Fox News)
Timeline and scene details
Police estimate the shootings occurred between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the second floor. The bodies were discovered during the morning welfare check. Investigators reported no weapon located at the scene and no obvious signs of forced entry, leaving questions about how an attacker entered and exited the home. Detectives emphasize they do not believe the case is a murder‑suicide. (Sources: Fox News, police video)
Prior 911 call and its review
Records show a 911 call was placed from the Tepe residence on April 15 at 2:45 a.m.; an unknown woman reported a “domestic dispute” and said, “me and my man got into it,” while crying. That caller canceled the police response before officers arrived. Detectives are reviewing that call as part of motive and pattern inquiries. (Source: Fox News)
Person of interest and released video
Columbus police released surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking in an alley near the Tepe home during the 2–5 a.m. window. The subject appears to be moving slowly, wearing a dark coat (possibly hooded) and light pants, with hands in pockets. Officials say tips have come in but no arrests have been made; residents are urged to check doorbell and dash‑cam footage. (Sources: 6abc, Fox News, police video)
Family response and background
Relatives described Spencer as a devoted Ohio State University graduate, proud father and warm caregiver; Monique was remembered as loving, patient and joyful. The couple married in 2021 and planned to celebrate their fifth anniversary next month. Family statements called the deaths “tragic and senseless” and pledged to seek justice. Monique’s brother, Rob Misleh, asked reporters,
“Makes no sense… What kind of person can take two parents away from such young children?”
Children and ongoing care
The couple’s two children, ages 4 and 1, were in the home at the time of the killings and were found unharmed. Authorities say the children are now in family care while investigators and social services work to ensure their safety and well‑being. (Source: police video)
What investigators are asking the public to do
Columbus police expanded the request for evidence between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 for the area bounded by Summit Street, North Pearl Street/Avenue and East 7th and 11th Avenues. Officials urge residents to check doorbell and dash‑cam footage and to report anything unusual. Provide tips to Columbus Division of Police at 614‑645‑2228 or to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymously at 614‑461‑8477. (Sources: police video, 6abc)
Weinland Park and neighborhood context
Weinland Park, near the Ohio State University campus, blends long‑term residents and student housing. Residents say they are shaken and want answers about how the home was targeted and how an attacker could enter without visible forced entry. Police plan additional canvassing and follow‑up on leads. (Sources: 6abc, police video)
Implications and context for Utah readers
Economic & community impact: High‑profile violent crimes can affect small businesses, patient confidence and security costs for private practices. Utah dentists and small‑practice owners may reassess security and welfare‑check protocols after cases like this. (Context: employer alerted police after missed workday.)
Political and social effects: The case may surface debates in conservative communities about public safety funding, law enforcement partnerships and victim protections, and could motivate increased community support, counseling, and vigilance for families with young children.
Practical steps: Neighbors should check in regularly, businesses should have welfare‑check protocols for missed work, and households can consider security cameras or trusted check‑ins. Save local police tip lines and share footage if something seems out of place. (Source: police video)
How to follow the case and how to help
Authorities say tips are coming in and detectives are following leads. Anyone with information, footage or photos from midnight–9 a.m. on Dec. 30 in the specified area should contact Columbus Division of Police at 614‑645‑2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614‑461‑8477. News and community groups will continue to follow developments as police release further details. (Sources: police video, 6abc)
