Columbus, OH – Authorities in Columbus, Ohio, are searching for answers after a respected dentist and his wife were found shot to death inside their upscale home, a case that has shaken both the local community and the wider medical profession.
The bodies of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered Tuesday during a welfare check at their residence in the 1400 block of North 4th Street, according to Columbus Police Department. Officers also found the couple’s two young children—ages 4 and 1—alive and unharmed inside the home. The children are now in the care of relatives.
Police say there were no obvious signs of forced entry, and no firearm was recovered at the scene. Investigators are treating the case as a double homicide, not a murder-suicide, and have not released details about a suspect or motive. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
“This is an exceptionally rare type of crime,” said Juliette Kayyem, noting that the absence of a weapon and the safety of the children were key factors in quickly ruling out a murder-suicide scenario. She explained that investigators will focus on forensic evidence, possible points of entry, whether anything was stolen, and the family’s background to determine whether the couple was targeted or if there is any broader threat to the community.
Concern about Spencer Tepe’s safety first arose when he failed to show up for work—something colleagues described as completely out of character. Tepe was a dentist at Athens Dental Depot, where coworkers attempted to reach him and his wife without success. The practice’s owner eventually contacted police.
Friends who went to the home later reported hearing children crying inside but were unable to get anyone to answer the door. Moments later, a distressed caller told dispatchers, “There’s a body.”
In a statement released on behalf of the family, relatives described Spencer and Monique as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and a deep connection to others.” The couple, married for several years, were said to share a close, joyful relationship centered on family, laughter, and building a life together.
Spencer Tepe was a graduate of Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association. His family said he was deeply committed to serving others, a sentiment echoed by colleagues and patients who have begun sharing tributes online. Athens Dental Depot announced it would close for the remainder of the week in mourning.
Monique Tepe, who had a background in childhood education, was remembered as a devoted mother whose patience and warmth defined her. “She brought care and attention into everything she did,” the family said.
As the investigation continues, neighbors and professionals across Columbus are struggling to reconcile the violence with what they knew of the couple. Police have not said whether the Tepes were specifically targeted or if the killings were random, leaving many questions unanswered.
For now, the case stands as a stark reminder that even close-knit, seemingly secure communities are not immune to sudden tragedy. Investigators say their priority remains identifying the person responsible and ensuring justice for Spencer and Monique Tepe—while protecting the future of the two children left behind.
