A young brother and sister in Ohio are facing a future without their parents after a horrific double murder that has left a community in shock. Four-year-old and 17-month-old siblings were home but unharmed when their father, dentist Dr Spencer Tepe, 37, and mother Monica Tepe, 39, were shot dead upstairs in their family home.
A Family Shattered in a Single Night
The couple were discovered in their $700,000 Weinland Park home on the morning of December 30. The grim discovery was made after Spencer failed to arrive for his shift at the Athens Dental Depot, prompting a welfare check. Paramedics declared both dead at the scene, just one month before they would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary.
Rob Misleh, Spencer's brother-in-law, spoke emotionally about the devastating impact. "We are all dealing with something that one week ago from today we literally would have no idea this would be happening," he told local media. He explained the children were coping, likely because "they are young enough to not fully understand the gravity of this situation."
Chilling CCTV and an Ongoing Manhunt
Columbus Police Department have released eerie surveillance footage showing a hooded figure walking calmly through a snowy alley adjacent to the Tepe property. The video was captured between 2am and 5am on December 30—the narrow window when the murders occurred.
Authorities confirmed Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while Monica was shot at least once in the chest. No firearm was found at the scene and there were no obvious signs of forced entry, ruling out a murder-suicide. The investigation, led by Detective Weiner with assistance from Detective Miller, is being treated as a double homicide.
"Nothing can ever bring them back," said Misleh, "but getting the justice that Mo and Spencer so deserve, finding whatever monster is capable of doing something like this, I think it would make not just our family, but a lot of people be able to feel a little bit safer."
Community Rallies to Support Orphaned Children
A GoFundMe campaign established for the children's future has raised over $163,000, which will be placed in a trust. The fundraiser described the Tepes as devoted parents who showed "unwavering love and devotion to their family."
"The abrupt loss of Spencer and Monique has changed daily life in ways that are still unfolding," the page states. "This fund exists to help provide stability and care for their children." Misleh emphasised that the community support extends beyond finances, noting Spencer's charitable work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme.
Dr Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot, paid tribute: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Dr Spencer Tepe. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Columbus Police urge anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers anonymously.
