In the tense moments leading up to the discovery of a Columbus, Ohio dentist and his wife tragically killed in their own home, 911 calls captured the urgency and alarm. One caller starkly informed dispatchers of the grim situation with the words, “there’s a body,” as authorities intensify their search for the culprit responsible for the couple’s deaths, just shy of their fifth wedding anniversary.
Police were summoned to the residence around 10 a.m. on December 30, where they found the lifeless bodies of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, both victims of gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, two young children were discovered unharmed within the home. Investigators have ruled out murder-suicide and noted the absence of forced entry or a recovered weapon, according to reports from WSYX.
Fox News Digital accessed the four distress calls made to 911 through a public records request. The initial call originated from Spencer’s employer, Mark Valrose, the proprietor of Athens Dental Depot. Although Valrose was vacationing in Florida, Spencer’s absence from work had alarmed his colleagues.
“Spencer is a punctual person, and he didn’t report to work this morning. We’ve been unable to contact him or his family,” Valrose explained. “This is highly unusual for him, and it’s alarming that we can’t reach his wife either, which is even more troubling.”
As the couple was on the brink of celebrating their five-year marriage milestone, the tragic timing adds to the heartbreak.
At 9:56 a.m., another concerned caller reached out to 911, noting they could hear children inside the Tepe home, yet received no response at the door.
“I can hear kids inside, and I swear, I think I heard one yell, but we can’t get in at this point. I don’t know if I need to break the door in or just get in the house or what,” the caller said.
One of Spencer’s friends called 911 at 10:03 a.m, saying they came to the Tepes’ house to do a “wellness check” and could see a body inside the house.
“There’s a body,” the person can be heard saying. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in this blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that.”
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead on Dec. 30. (Rob Misleh)
“I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything,” the caller said.
Spencer’s friend told the 911 operator that the last time someone spoke with him was on Dec. 29. The friend told the 911 operator that Spencer didn’t do any drugs.
Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured in wedding photos. (Rob Misleh)
A fourth individual called 911 at 9:58 a.m. who identified herself as a coworker and wanted police to do a wellness check.
WATCH: Former homicide detective says piece of evidence left behind may lead police to Ohio couple’s killer
Former homicide detective Ted Williams told Fox News Digital he thinks “someone they know” killed the couple.
“The investigators in Columbus, Ohio, they’re having to work backwards from that crime scene, and this is what we know. We do know that there was no signs of forced entry. So, if there’s no sign of forced entry, that tells me that they either knew their victims, meaning the perpetrator, or the Tepes may very well have left their doors open,” Williams said.
Police on Monday night released surveillance footage showing a “person of interest” in the murders of Spencer and Monique.
The video, released by the Columbus Division of Police, shows the man walking slowly in an alley near the Weinland Park home where Spencer and Monique lived. He’s seen in what appears to be a dark coat and light-colored pants.
WATCH: Surveillance video shows “person of interest.”
In a statement released Friday, the couple’s family said they are “heartbroken beyond words,” and called the deaths “tragic and senseless.”
“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” read the statement. “Spencer, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was known as a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met,” the family statement said, adding that he was “intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming.”
Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured on their wedding day. (Rob Misleh)
Monique was described by family members as a “loving, patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”
Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told WSYX that the couple was going to celebrate their five-year anniversary next month after getting married in 2021.
