Columbus dentist couple found shot to death; earlier 911 call and new surveillance prompt probe
A Columbus dentist couple, Spencer and Monique Tepe, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home Dec. 30, 2025; investigators are probing a prior April 911 domestic dispute call and new surveillance showing a person of interest.
- Victims: Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe were found fatally shot on Dec. 30, 2025.
- Children: Their two young children, ages 4 and 1, were located unharmed and placed with family (Fox News).
- Evidence and leads: No weapon recovered, no signs of forced entry, and detectives released alley surveillance of a person of interest during the estimated murder window (6ABC report).
- Prior call: Investigators are reviewing a canceled April 15, 2025 911 domestic-dispute call from the address (Fox News).
Investigation details and discovery
How the scene was discovered: Columbus police responded around 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 after Spencer’s employer reported him missing while the couple was reportedly on vacation. A friend who checked the house saw a body through a bedroom window and called 911 at about 10:03 a.m.
Officers located both victims on the second floor. Officials estimate the killings occurred between roughly 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. that morning. Detectives have reported no signs of forced entry, and no weapon has been recovered; they do not currently believe the deaths were a murder-suicide (Fox News).
Prior 911 call from the residence
Records show a 911 call from the Tepe address on April 15, 2025 at 2:45 a.m., logged as a “domestic dispute.” In audio released by investigators, an unidentified woman is heard crying and saying,
“me and my man got into it,”
but the caller later declined officer response and canceled the call. Police have not confirmed whether the caller was Monique Tepe and are treating the record as an investigative focus (Fox News).
New surveillance video and person of interest
Released footage: On Jan. 5, Columbus police released surveillance showing a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the Weinland Park house during the early-morning hours when investigators estimate the murders occurred. The figure wears a dark coat, light pants and a black hooded jacket with hands in pockets (6ABC).
Police ask residents and businesses to review any footage, photos or other evidence recorded between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 from the area covering Summit Street, Northwood Avenue and East 7th–11th Avenues. Investigators say they have checked commercial and private cameras but still need more information; they also pointed viewers to broadcast footage summarizing the case (video).
Family background and response
Community and family reaction: Friends and relatives described the Tepes as devoted parents. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate, worked at Athens Dental Depot and was remembered as warm and intelligent; Monique was remembered as patient and family-centered. They married in 2021 and were approaching their five‑year anniversary (Fox News).
On Jan. 2, family members said they were “heartbroken beyond words” and called the deaths “tragic and senseless,” urging anyone with information to come forward. A brother‑in‑law pleaded publicly for answers and justice for the children (6ABC).
What police have said and next steps
Active, evolving probe: Columbus homicide detectives describe the investigation as active and review physical evidence, prior 911 records and camera footage while seeking eyewitness accounts. No suspects have been named and no arrests made; investigators have not identified the April caller publicly, citing investigative confidentiality (broadcast summary).
Police released the alley clip to generate tips and emphasized that the person shown near the home during the critical hours could be key to solving the case. Detectives continue to ask residents to check doorbell and security camera footage for the early hours of Dec. 30 (6ABC).
Why the case draws attention
This case has alarmed neighbors and the broader public because the killings occurred inside a family home with young children present, there are no signs of forced entry, and no weapon has been recovered. The existence of a prior 911 domestic-dispute record adds complexity as investigators work to determine any connection (Fox News).
Columbus domestic dispute 911 records and public transparency
Officials have released some records and video but withheld identifying details about the April caller, citing investigative needs. Transparency advocates say more public disclosure can generate leads, but police stress balancing openness with preserving the integrity of the probe (Fox News).
How the public can help
- Review home and business video from Dec. 30, midnight–9 a.m., for Summit Street, Northwood Ave., and East 7th–11th areas (6ABC).
- Call Columbus police at 614-645-2228 with tips.
- Call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 to leave an anonymous tip (6ABC).
Implications for Redding, California
Local lessons: The Tepe case underscores the importance of community vigilance, functioning security cameras, timely welfare checks, and strong coordination among child‑welfare, law‑enforcement and social services. Redding leaders may use the case to emphasize cooperative neighborhood policing, camera-sharing practices and resources for families in crisis (Fox News, 6ABC).
Reporting note and sources
This article draws on police statements, public records and local reporting. Sources include Fox News coverage of the April 911 call and discovery details; ABC6/WCPO reporting on the person‑of‑interest video; and broadcast footage summarizing the case (video).
If you have information or footage from the early morning of Dec. 30 near Weinland Park, contact:
Columbus Division of Police: 614-645-2228
Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 614-461-8477
