By Dalena Reporters l January 2, 2026
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Police in Columbus, Ohio, are actively searching for the person responsible for the fatal shootings of a local dentist and his wife, whose bodies were discovered inside their home while their two young children were present and unharmed, authorities said. Investigators are treating the incident as a double homicide and are appealing to the public for information as the case remains unsolved.
The victims, identified as 37-year-old dentist Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique Tepe, were found in their residence on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in the Weinland Park neighbourhood following a welfare check early Tuesday morning, December 30, 2025. The check was initiated after Tepe unexpectedly failed to report for work at the Athens Dental Depot, prompting his employer to call authorities.
Police responding to the check discovered both adults with apparent gunshot wounds; paramedics later pronounced them dead at the scene. Investigators reported that no signs of forced entry were evident and that no firearm was recovered inside the home, leading detectives to categorise the incident as a homicide rather than a murder-suicide.
Inside the house at the time, the couple’s two young children were found alive and uninjured, though they were reportedly distressed by the events. A therapy dog was brought in to help comfort the children, who are now in the care of relatives or child welfare officials as the investigation progresses.
Columbus police, working through the Homicide Unit, have not publicly identified any suspects, motives, or leads and have appealed to the community for assistance. Authorities are asking residents with information or surveillance footage from the vicinity on the morning of the incident to contact law enforcement or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Friends, neighbours and colleagues described the couple as well-liked, with Spencer Tepe remembered as a trusted dental professional. The sudden and violent nature of the killings has shocked the community, prompting vigils and tributes outside the couple’s home.
The case remains open and under active investigation. Police continue to interview witnesses, review available evidence and canvass for tips that might lead to an arrest.