Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant has expressed her concern over the “disturbing” murder case involving an Ohio dentist and his spouse.
The bodies of 37-year-old Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique, were discovered shot to death inside their residence in Columbus’ Weinland Park on December 30. Authorities have dismissed the possibility of a murder-suicide and have released surveillance footage capturing a suspected individual walking through an alley near the couple’s home just before the tragic event.
“This incident is profoundly troubling. We are fully committed to dedicating significant resources to solve this case and seek justice for the family,” Bryant remarked during an interview with WSYX.
She added, “There are numerous concerns and unanswered questions surrounding this tragedy. We strive to be transparent and provide as much information as possible, albeit some details must remain confidential to preserve the investigation’s integrity.”
The couple was on the verge of celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Rob Misleh)
“This situation weighs heavily on us, but I must emphasize that every homicide case is treated with the utmost seriousness,” she further shared with the station. “Each loss of life is significant and impacts us deeply.”
Investigators believe the killings occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30, and authorities are urging anyone with video, photos or other digital evidence from that timeframe to contact police.
Spencer and Monique Tepe are pictured on their wedding day. (Rob Misleh)
Newly released body camera video this week also showed a Columbus police officer going to the wrong address during an initial welfare check.
Bryant said the officer believed he was at the correct location and followed protocol, but the couple was not discovered until co-workers went to the couple’s home about 40 minutes later, according to WBNS-10TV.
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio. While their two children were discovered unharmed, authorities reportedly believe their deaths were not the result of a murder-suicide. (Athens Dental Depot)
“The officer did everything that he was supposed to do,” Bryant said, adding the response was later determined to be at the wrong address.
