An Ohio dentist and his wife have been tragically shot and killed in their upscale $700,000 residence, while their two young children were discovered unharmed, prompting a police search for the perpetrator.
The bodies of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were discovered early Tuesday morning in their Weinland Park home. Authorities have stated that the incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide, as reported by WSYX News.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found Spencer had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique had been shot at least once in the chest.
The couple’s young children were fortunately found safe but were in tears inside the home, according to new records released on Wednesday.
Emergency responders pronounced both Monique and Spencer dead at the scene, a tragic event occurring just a month before they would have marked their fifth wedding anniversary.
Columbus Police Department officers reported no signs of forced entry and no weapons were recovered at the scene. The case is being treated as a double homicide as investigations continue.
A manhunt is now underway as authorities search for the gunman, who remains at large.
‘We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe,’ Dr. Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked as a dentist, said in a statement, according to the outlet.
Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot dead in their $700,000 Weinland Park home Tuesday morning, while their two young children were found unharmed
Columbus police discovered Spencer (pictured) with multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique had at least one to the chest. Authorities said the deaths do not appear to be the result of a murder-suicide
Officers with the Columbus Police Department found no obvious signs of forced entry or any firearm at the scene and are investigating the deaths as a double homicide
‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,’ he added. ‘We appreciate the community’s thoughts and prayers.’
The grim discovery came after Dr. Valrose called 911 for a welfare check at the Tepes’ home on N. 4th Street just after 10am Tuesday, after Spencer failed to show up for his shift at the dental office, according to the incident report obtained by WSYX.
In the frantic call, Valrose explained that worry grew because Spencer had not contacted anyone about his absence and was known for his punctuality.
‘I’m on vacation, but this individual, Spencer, works with me, and he did not show up to work this morning. And we cannot get a hold of him or his family,’ the doctor told dispatchers, as reported by the outlet.
‘He’s been reliable, and we cannot get in touch with him, his wife, his family, anybody that lives in that house,’ he added.
However, police records reviewed by WSYX show that authorities were first alerted to the home at 9:03am and responded by 9:22am. When they received no answer, the Columbus deputy left the scene.
Several of Spencer’s coworkers then drove to the couple’s home and, just before 10am, called 911 after hearing children crying inside and getting no response at the door.
Minutes later, a third 911 call came from the same person, who frantically reported seeing Spencer’s body inside the Tepes’ home and noted that he appeared to be dead next to a bed.
The discovery came after Dr. Mark Valrose (pictured) called 911 for a welfare check at the Tepes’ home on the 1400 block of N. 4th Street just after 10am Tuesday, after Spencer failed to show up for his shift at the dental office
The couple’s two children, unharmed, were found crying inside the home. A manhunt is now underway as authorities search for the gunman, who remains at large
‘There is a body inside,’ Spencer’s friend told dispatchers, according to the audio obtained by the outlet.
‘Our friend wasn’t answering his phone,’ they added. ‘We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead.’
It wasn’t until Dr. Valrose called authorities shortly after 10am that police were dispatched again to the residence to conduct a welfare check on the Tepe family.
‘He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues,’ Valrose told 911 dispatchers, as reported by the outlet.
‘I don’t know how else to say this but we are very concerned. This is very out of character for him,’ he added. ‘We cant get in touch with his wife which is probably the more concerning thing.’
Police then found the couple with apparent gunshot wounds, while their two young children were unharmed inside the home where the Tepes exchanged their vows in 2021, Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told ABC 6 News.
On Thursday, Dr. Valrose and the Dental Depot team announced on Facebook that the practice would remain closed for the rest of the week.
‘Spencer will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years,’ the dental office wrote.
In the frantic call, Valrose explained that worry grew because Spencer (pictured) had not contacted anyone about his absence and was known for his punctuality
The investigation and search for the suspect is now being led by Detective Weiner, with assistance from Detective Miller
‘We ask for your continued patience, support and privacy as our team mourns these terrible losses,’ they added.
The investigation and search for the suspect is now being led by Detective Weiner, with assistance from Detective Miller.
Police are now urging anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
