Columbus police released surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking through a snowy alley near the Weinland Park home of Spencer and Monique Tepe, who were found shot to death on Dec. 30. Detectives believe the killings occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., and the video places the individual near the residence during that timeframe. Their two young children, ages 1 and 4, were unharmed and are with relatives; authorities have ruled out murder-suicide and found no signs of forced entry. The Franklin County Coroner confirmed both deaths as apparent homicides by gunshot.
Columbus Police Release Chilling Alley Footage of Person of Interest in Weinland Park Double Homicide
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio. While their two children were discovered unharmed, authorities reportedly believe their deaths were not the result of a murder-suicide.
Columbus police on Monday released unsettling surveillance footage that shows a person of interest walking through a snowy alley near the Weinland Park home of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39. The couple were found shot to death inside their North 4th Street residence on Dec. 30.
Footage and Investigation Details
The clip, posted to the Columbus Police Department’s Instagram account, shows an individual in light-colored pants and a dark hooded coat, head bowed and hands tucked into pockets, moving slowly through the early-morning alley. Detectives say the video places this person in the area during the critical window when they believe the killings occurred.
"Detectives believe the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Tepe occurred sometime between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on the morning of December 30th in the upstairs of their residence. Recovered video footage shows a person of interest walking in the alley near the Tepe’s residence during that timeframe," police said in a statement.
Discovery and Victims
Spencer and Monique were found after a coworker grew concerned when Spencer did not report to work at Athens Dental Depot and failed to answer calls. Officers initially conducted a welfare check but left when there was no response. They returned later after coworkers and a friend reported hearing children inside the home and then discovered Spencer’s body near a bed.
The couple’s two young children—a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl—were found unharmed, along with the family dog. The children are now in the care of relatives.
Cause, Evidence, And Appeal For Tips
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed both deaths as "apparent homicide by gunshot wounds." Police said Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and Monique was shot at least once in the chest. No weapon was recovered at the scene. Authorities have ruled out murder-suicide and reported no signs of forced entry.
Investigators said they have received numerous tips and are actively following up. Officials are urging anyone with video or information from the Weinland Park area between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Dec. 30 to contact Columbus police.
Community Response
Family members described the Tepes, married five years, as devoted parents who built a life "rooted in love." A GoFundMe organized to support the children has raised more than $146,000 as the investigation continues.
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