No individuals have been apprehended, and authorities have yet to identify any suspects in the mysterious deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Investigators have made public security footage capturing a person of interest linked to the tragic killing of an Ohio couple, whose lifeless bodies were discovered in their residence last week.
The Columbus police, during a wellness check around 10 a.m. on December 30, found Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, with fatal gunshot injuries on their home’s second floor. Emergency responders confirmed their deaths shortly thereafter.
The couple’s two young children were present in the house at the time but were not harmed, according to police reports.
Numerous questions linger about this case, notably regarding the identity and motive of the perpetrator.
Detectives estimate that the shootings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the morning of the discovery. A Franklin County Coroner’s Office spokesperson indicated via email on Tuesday that the deaths are considered “apparent homicides by gunshot wounds,” though comprehensive reports are expected in several weeks.
On Monday, police released security footage of a person of interest that shows the person walking in an alley near the couple’s home during the three hours in which investigators believe they were attacked. The person was wearing light colored pants and dark hooded jacket, and police asked for the public’s help in identifying them.
“We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident,” police said in a statement. “Detectives are working diligently to solve this case.”
In a statement, family members described the couple as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy and deep connection to others.”
Spencer Tepe graduated from Ohio State University, became a member of the American Dental Association and was involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. He was also a “huge Bengals and Buckeyes fan,” the family said.
Monique Tepe was a “loving, patient, and joyful mother,” an avid baker, and a “thoughtful planner,” it said.
“They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they showed up with unwavering love and devotion to their family,” wrote a cousin, Audrey Mackie.
Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told WBNS the couple and their home were a gathering place for family and friends.
“We are all dealing with something that one week ago from today we literally would have no idea this would be happening,” Misleh said.
Misleh said the family is exhausted, devastated and still in shock. He said the couple’s 4-year-old daughter and 17-month-old son, who were not harmed, are doing well.
“The kids are doing very well. They are young enough to not fully understand the gravity of this situation,” Misleh said.
Misleh said the family hopes the investigation leads to justice.
“Nothing can ever bring them back, but getting the justice that Mo and Spencer so deserve, finding whatever monster is capable of doing something like this, I think it would make not just our family, but a lot of people be able to feel a little bit safer,” he said.
As police continue their investigation, Misleh said the family is focused on planning funerals and honoring Spencer and Monique, whom he described as bright, warm and loving.
“Their house in Columbus was just like a center for us to join them and they were the glue of so many people and such a large community that they brought together,” Misleh said. “They are just so loving and welcoming to people. I have life-long friends now that I never knew because of those two people.”
