New surveillance released in baffling Columbus Ohio dentist murders; 911 call months earlier noted domestic dispute
Columbus police released surveillance of a person of interest after Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30, 2025; their two young children were unharmed.
Key takeaways
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were found with apparent gunshot wounds; their children, ages 4 and 1, were unharmed. (Sources: Fox News, 6ABC)
- Surveillance released: Police published footage of a person of interest seen near the home during the estimated time of the killings and are asking the public to check cameras and dashcams for relevant footage. (Sources: Fox News, YouTube video)
- Investigation details: No forced entry or weapon found; investigators do not believe it was a murder-suicide and the case remains active as of early January 2026. (Source: Fox News)
Main content
Discovery of the bodies
How the scene was found: According to police, Spencer’s employer at Athens Dental Depot, Mark Valrose, called authorities after Spencer failed to report to work and could not be reached. A family friend then went to the Weinland Park residence and, seeing a body through a window, called 911.
Officers arrived around 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 and located both adults deceased on the second floor. The two children, ages 1 and 4, were found alive and unharmed inside the home. (Sources: Fox News, YouTube video)
Investigation and person of interest video
Columbus police released surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the Tepe home during the estimated time of the killings (roughly 2 a.m.–5 a.m.). The individual is described as wearing a dark coat—possibly with a hood—and light-colored pants, hands in pockets.
Detectives asked residents, businesses and anyone with cameras along a broad corridor to check footage from midnight to 9 a.m. on Dec. 30, including areas such as Summit Street, North Pearl Avenue, East 7th Avenue and East 11th Avenue. Authorities said tips were coming in and urged anyone with information to contact Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. (Sources: Fox News, 6ABC, YouTube video)
Prior 911 call: domestic dispute months earlier
Newly released records show a 911 call from the Tepe residence on April 15, 2025, at about 2:45 a.m. The caller, listed as a woman in logs, reported a “domestic dispute” and, while crying, told dispatchers, “me and my man got into it.” She hung up, called back and later said she no longer needed police. Columbus officials provided no further public details; police have not said whether the April incident is connected to the December killings. (Source: Fox News)
Family, friends and community reaction
Relatives and friends remembered Spencer and Monique as loving parents and active community members. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate, worked at Athens Dental Depot and was described by colleagues as dedicated. Monique was characterized by relatives as joyful and patient. The couple married in 2021 and were preparing for their five-year anniversary.
“Senseless,” said brother-in-law Rob Misleh, calling the family “heartbroken beyond words.” He urged the public to help bring whoever is responsible to justice while the family remains focused on caring for the children.
(Sources: Fox News, 6ABC, YouTube video)
What police are asking for now
Investigators publicly appealed for any video, photos or other evidence captured between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 within the search area. Authorities asked residents and businesses to check doorbell cameras, security systems and dash cams for anything that looks out of place.
Tips can be shared directly with Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or anonymously through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Authorities stressed the importance of community cooperation as they work to identify the person of interest and establish a motive. (Sources: Fox News, 6ABC)
Context on investigative hurdles
Police face several challenges: no signs of forced entry were reported and no weapon was found at the scene, complicating reconstruction of events. The prior April 911 call raises questions for investigators about potential links, but authorities have avoided speculation and asked for concrete evidence from the public.
Implications for the United States
This case highlights several broader concerns:
- Public safety and trust: Unexplained, high-profile killings can erode confidence in neighborhood safety and increase anxiety about stranger violence.
- Law enforcement resources and procedures: The growing reliance on civilian video and digital records raises questions about data access, privacy and analytic resources.
- Support for surviving children and families: Sudden parental loss underscores the need for immediate and long-term social services, counseling and community support.
- Policy considerations: High-profile murders can prompt debate over funding for police technology, victim services, gun safety and property security while balancing civil liberties.
- Role of the public: Police emphasized that ordinary citizens’ footage and tips can be crucial to identifying suspects and solving the case.
(Sources: Fox News, 6ABC, Columbus police release)
Reporting note
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and have not named any suspects. The Columbus Police Department continues to seek tips and evidence related to the Tepe family murders, including images or footage that could identify the person seen in the released surveillance.
For tips: 614-645-2228 (Columbus police) or 614-461-8477 (Central Ohio Crime Stoppers). (Sources: Fox News, 6ABC, Columbus Police)
