Police in Columbus, Ohio, have taken the significant step of releasing security footage showing a person of interest in connection with the mysterious and tragic killings of a local dentist and his wife.
Chilling Footage Released in Hunt for Killer
The Columbus Division of Police published a video on social media depicting a hooded individual dressed in black and grey. The figure is seen walking on streets close to the home of 37-year-old dentist Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique, during the critical time window when the couple were murdered.
The Tepe couple were found shot dead inside their downtown Columbus residence on 30 December 2025. Investigators believe the fatal shootings occurred sometime between 2 am and 5 am that day. Disturbingly, the couple's two young children, who were present in the house at the time, were left physically unharmed.
In the released footage, the person of interest keeps their head down in every camera shot, obscuring any identifiable facial features. The video was captured from the three-hour period police have pinpointed for the crime.
A Community in Shock and a Family's Plea
The local area is known to have extensive surveillance coverage, a fact which has compounded the community's shock. Local resident Lana Oriani told ABC 6 she had counted more than two dozen cameras in the vicinity, not including official police cameras. "That's what makes this so shocking," she stated.
Authorities are now urgently appealing to residents for any additional information or private footage that could help identify the individual in the video. The motive for the double murder remains completely unknown, deepening the mystery.
The tragedy has devastated a wide circle of family and friends. Spencer Tepe's brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, spoke to ABC 6, expressing the family's desire for a thorough investigation over a swift one. "We have full faith that investigators are looking at every angle before jumping to conclusions," he said. He strongly urged against sensationalising the case, emphasising, "This is not an episode of TV or a true crime podcast. This is a family. Hundreds and hundreds of people have been affected by this."
Remembering the Victims and Supporting the Children
Spencer and Monique Tepe were just a month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary at the time of their deaths. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by Spencer's cousin, Audrey, to support the couple's now-orphaned children.
The fundraiser has seen an outpouring of support, having already raised over $157,000 towards its $200,000 goal. In a heartfelt tribute on the page, Audrey described the couple as "extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others."
She remembered Monique for her "charm and infectious smile" that lit up rooms, and Spencer as "the soul of every gathering—grand in personality, yet calm, steady, and kind." As the police investigation continues, the community mourns the loss and rallies around the two children left behind.
