Police in Ohio have launched a manhunt for a suspect following the shocking discovery of a dentist and his wife shot dead inside their Columbus home. The couple's two young children were found unharmed at the scene.
Welfare Check Reveals Tragic Scene
The bodies of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found on Tuesday morning after officers performed a welfare check at their residence in the Weinland Park area. The check was requested by Dr Mark Velrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot, where Spencer worked as a dentist, after he failed to arrive for work.
"He would contact us if there was any issues," Dr Velrose told dispatchers, according to local station WSYX. "This is very out of character for him. We can't get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing."
Children Found Unharmed Inside Home
Concerned friends and coworkers had driven to the home after receiving no response. An initial call to police was made around 9 a.m. A friend called again at 9:57 a.m., reporting they could hear children crying inside but got no answer at the door. The caller then saw Spencer's body inside the property.
"There is a body inside," the caller stated. "Our friend wasn't answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead." Police confirmed the couple's two young children were inside and were not physically harmed.
Investigation Points to Homicide
Authorities have stated they do not believe this was a murder-suicide. No firearm was found at the scene and there were no obvious signs of forced entry. Records indicate Spencer Tepe appeared to have been shot multiple times, while Monique suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest.
The couple, who married in 2021, were just one month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. The investigation remains active. Columbus Police Homicide Unit and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
