In a tragic turn of events in Columbus, Ohio, the community is reeling after a dentist and his wife were discovered shot dead in their home, mere weeks before what would have been their fifth wedding anniversary. Police are currently delving into the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths.
Authorities arrived at the residence around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, following a request for a wellness check. Inside, they found Spencer and Monique Tepe with fatal gunshot wounds. Fortunately, their two young children, present in the house, were unharmed.
Concerns had mounted when Dr. Spencer Tepe failed to appear at his workplace, Athens Dental Depot. The owner, Dr. Mark Valrose, prompted by the unusual absence, reached out to emergency services to initiate the wellness check. This crucial call set off the chain of events leading to the tragic discovery.
In pursuit of justice, police have appealed to the public for any information that might aid in identifying a suspect. The 911 call records, obtained by Fox News Digital, underline the urgency and worry that led to the police intervention.
While the investigation continues, officials have ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide. No firearm was found at the scene, and the absence of forced entry suggests a complex case that authorities are eager to unravel.
According to WSYX, police don’t believe their deaths were a murder-suicide. Officials added there wasn’t a firearm recovered at the scene and there were no signs of forced entry.
Valrose called 911 on Tuesday at 9:03 a.m. to raise the alarm about Spencer and Monica. An officer with the Columbus Police Department arrived at the Tepe household at 9:22 a.m., but didn’t get an answer after knocking.
Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday. (Athens Dental Depot/Facebook)
“Spencer works with me and he did not show up to work this morning and we cannot get ahold of him or his family,” Valrose said. “He is always on time and he would contact us if there is any issues whatsoever…we’re very, very concerned because this is very out of character and we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
Authorities are investigating after Ohio dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found shot to death inside their Columbus, Ohio, home. (Athens Dental Depot/Facebook)
In a separate 911 call from one of Spencer’s friends who went to their home, the caller said “there’s a body.”
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. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
“We just came here and he appears dead. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed in his blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that,” the caller said. “I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything.”
In a statement on Facebook, Athens Dental Depot said Spencer will be “deeply missed.”
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. (The Columbus Dispatch via USA Today)
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe, as well as his wife Monique. He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time,” the business said.
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.
