Recently unveiled body camera footage reveals that a Columbus police officer mistakenly visited an incorrect address during an initial welfare check before an Ohio dentist and his wife were tragically found shot to death inside their residence.
Elaine Bryant, Chief of the Columbus Division of Police, verified on Thursday, as reported by WBNS-10TV, that the officer had indeed gone to the wrong location. Despite believing he was at the right address and adhering to protocol, the couple was only discovered approximately 40 minutes later when colleagues went to check on them.
“The officer followed all the correct procedures,” Bryant stated, acknowledging that it was later confirmed the response was at the incorrect address.
The victims, identified as 37-year-old dentist Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique, were found deceased in their Weinland Park residence on December 30. Authorities have dismissed the possibility of a murder-suicide.
Footage from the body camera captures the moment a Columbus officer knocks on the door of an incorrect home during the initial welfare check. (Columbus Police Department)
Approximately 40 minutes after the first welfare check, another call was made to the police when Tepe’s coworkers grew worried after he failed to appear at work. A concerned friend went to the couple’s home, where the tragic discovery was made.
The body camera video shows a Columbus police officer arriving at a residence that was later determined to be the wrong address for the welfare check. In the video, the officer is seen knocking on the front door several times and repeatedly calling out, “Anyone home?” but receives no response.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead Dec. 30. (Rob Misleh)
The officer then walks around the exterior of the home, including checking the backyard, before returning to the front of the property and leaving the scene. Police later confirmed the officer had been dispatched to the wrong address.
A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to the home of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, where the pair were found shot to death in Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 30, 2025. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
Bryant acknowledged public concern surrounding the case but said investigators are limiting what they release publicly to protect the integrity of the investigation.
“We know people are concerned and we know that people have a lot of questions,” Bryant said. “What we’re asking for is patience as it relates to this investigation.”
Spencer and Monique Tepe on their wedding day. (Rob Misleh)
Detectives say they are reviewing a large volume of evidence, including surveillance video, and have received tips through phone calls, emails, social media messages, texts and in-person submissions.
A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to the home of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, where the pair were found shot to death in Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 30, 2025. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
Earlier this week, Columbus police released grainy surveillance video of a person of interest seen walking through a nearby alley close to the Tepe home during the early morning hours of Dec. 30. Investigators believe the killings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., and authorities are urging anyone with video, photos or other digital evidence from that timeframe to contact police.
Asked Thursday if police believe the person in the video is the suspect or just someone who was there at the time of the murders, Bryant said: “Evidence is going to give us that information as we continue to dig and gather as much as we can. Right now, we know that they were there.”
Investigators have said there were no obvious signs of forced entry into the home and that no weapon has been recovered. No suspect has been arrested.
Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 30, 2025. (Athens Dental Depot)
Both of the couple’s young children were found safe inside the home.
Bryant said detectives are continuing to review video and evidence and promised additional updates when possible.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
