Surveillance footage has surfaced, offering a chilling glimpse into the mystery surrounding the unsolved murders of an Ohio dentist and his wife. Authorities have shared this footage, capturing a ‘person of interest’ connected to the tragic event, in hopes of unraveling the case.
A manhunt is actively underway, as reported by Fox News Digital, prompting police to appeal to the public for any video evidence from neighbors or passersby who might have been in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
On Monday, the Columbus Police Department took to Instagram to release the footage, which depicts an individual strolling slowly through a snowy alley near the Weinland Park residence of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39. The video provides a haunting view as the person, clad in light-colored pants and a dark hooded coat, moves through the night.
Dr. Spencer Tepe, a respected Ohio dentist, and Monique Tepe were found shot dead inside their Columbus home. Remarkably, their two children were unharmed, and authorities have dismissed the possibility of a murder-suicide, adding to the urgency of solving the case.
In the footage, the individual appears with their head lowered and hands tucked into their pockets, navigating the snowy scene in the early morning hours. This evidence, while eerie, is crucial in piecing together the mystery and bringing justice to the Tepe family. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Their head is bowed down and their hands are tucked into their pockets as they walk in the early hours.
Detectives think the couple was murdered sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30, inside the upstairs of their North 4th Street residence.
Police said the surveillance video places the person of interest in the alley near the Tepe home during that critical timeframe.
“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,” police said in a statement online.
“Recovered video footage shows a person of interest walking in the alley near the Tepe’s residence during that timeframe.
Spencer and Monique Tepe pictured in wedding photos. (Rob Misleh)
“We have received and are continuing to receive numerous tips from the community, which our detectives are following up on,” police said.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead after a coworker became alarmed when Spencer failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot and did not respond to calls.
Police carried out a wellness check but left after no one answered the door.
Officers returned later when coworkers and a friend reported hearing children inside the home and seeing Spencer’s body near a bed.
The friend had called 911 at 9:57 a.m., telling the dispatcher that he “thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling,” according to the call log obtained by Fox News Digital.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were preparing to celebrate their five-year wedding anniversary. (Rob Misleh)
The couple’s two young children — a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl — were found unharmed, along with the family’s dog. The children have since been placed in the care of relatives.
Police said Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique was shot at least once in the chest.
No weapon was recovered at the scene, and authorities have ruled out a murder-suicide. There were also no signs of forced entry.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed Monday to Fox News Digital that both deaths were caused by “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds.”
The Tepes, married for five years, were remembered by family as devoted parents who built a life “rooted in love.”
A GoFundMe created to support their children has raised more than $146,000 as the investigation continues.
