Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe, a Dentist & His Wife Found Murdered

Dr. Spencer Tepe and His Wife Were Found Brutally Murdered

The Columbus Double Homicide: Who Killed the Beloved Dentist and His Wife?

The quiet Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, became the scene of a devastating mystery when respected dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered brutally murdered in their home on December 30, 2025. The couple’s two young children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed in the residence, adding another layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking case.

A Routine Morning Turns Tragic

The horror began to unfold when Dr. Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, where he practiced dentistry. His colleague, Dr. Mark Valrose, grew increasingly concerned when Spencer didn’t call to explain his absence—a behavior completely out of character for the punctual and responsible dentist.

“He is always on time and he would contact us if there were any issues,” Dr. Valrose told dispatchers during the 9:03 AM emergency call. “I don’t know how else to say this but we are very, very concerned. This is very out of character for him. We can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”

The Grim Discovery

Columbus police officers initially responded to the welfare check at 9:22 AM but left after receiving no answer at the door. About 40 minutes later, the situation escalated when friends arrived at the Tepes’ North Fourth Street home. One friend reported hearing children crying inside, while another peered through a window and spotted Spencer’s body lying next to the bed.

When officers finally gained entry to the home, they discovered the couple had been shot to death. Spencer had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique had been shot at least once in the chest. The two young children were found physically unharmed but undoubtedly traumatized by the horrific scene they may have witnessed or heard.

A Community Left Searching for Answers

What makes this case particularly puzzling is the apparent lack of forced entry and the absence of any weapon at the scene. Columbus police quickly ruled out murder-suicide, but have released few details about potential suspects or motives.

“We are heartbroken beyond words,” said Rob Misleh, Monique’s brother, in a family statement. “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.”

A Couple Who Lived for Family and Community

The Tepes were described by friends and family as the quintessential loving couple who had built their lives around their children and community. Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University and member of the American Dental Association, was fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to serving others through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“Spencer was intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming,” Misleh remembered. “He lived life with energy, laughter, and generosity.”

Monique, with her background in childhood education, was remembered as “a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.” She was an excellent baker and thoughtful planner who found joy in bringing people together.

“You never saw them without a smile on their face,” Misleh recalled. “Their place in Columbus was just where everybody gathered. They always had people over. Always having fun. Just great people.”

The Investigation Continues

Columbus police have been tight-lipped about their investigation, but have appealed to the public for any information. Investigators are specifically seeking video footage, photographs, or digital evidence from the area between midnight and 9:00 AM on December 30, covering a large area including Summit Street, North Grant Avenue, East 7th Avenue, and East 11th Avenue.

The case has garnered national and international attention, yet no arrests have been made. The lack of forced entry suggests the killer or killers may have been known to the couple, or gained access through deception.

A Family’s Quest for Justice

The Tepes’ children are now in the care of relatives, who have become their fierce advocates in seeking justice for their parents. The family has established a memorial outside the North Fourth Street home, where friends and community members continue to leave flowers and mementos.

As the investigation enters its second week, questions continue to mount: Who would want to harm this beloved couple? What motive could drive someone to commit such a brutal act while children were present in the home? And perhaps most importantly, how did the perpetrator or perpetrators manage to carry out this crime without leaving obvious signs of forced entry?

The Search for Answers

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477). Even the smallest detail could prove crucial in solving this heartbreaking double homicide.

As this community grapples with the loss of two vibrant members, the search for justice continues. The Tepes’ legacy lives on through their children and the countless lives they touched during their too-short time together. But until their killer is brought to justice, this case will remain another haunting cold case file, waiting for the break that will finally give this grieving family the answers they so desperately need.

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If you have any information about the murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact authorities. Sometimes the smallest detail can be the key to solving a case.