Dr. Spencer Tepe was a very punctual and reliable man. When the 37-year-old Ohio dentist didn’t show up to work on December 30, 2025, coworkers worried something had happened to him, so they drove to his home. Once there, they reportedly heard crying from inside the home he shared with his wife, 39-year-old Monique Tepe, and their two young kids. Columbus Police Patrol arrived at the house just after 10 a.m. and found the couple dead from apparent gunshot wounds. They also located the children inside the home, thankfully unharmed. Police quickly determined the deaths were not part of a murder-suicide, and a search for their killer began. Nearly a week later, police still don’t know who killed them or why.
WSYX reported that Dr. Mark Valrose, who owns Athens Dental Depot, called police for a welfare check when Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work.
“He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues,” Valrose said in a 911 call, per the outlet. “I don’t know how else to say this but we are very, very concerned. This is very out of character for him. We can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
Police made an initial welfare check at the home around 9:22 a.m., but no one answered, WSYX reported. Coworkers went to the family’s home just before 10 a.m. to check on Spencer Tepe. While there, they reportedly heard children inside and made a gruesome discovery.
“There is a body inside,” a friend told dispatchers. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead.”
In a somber Facebook post, Athens Dental Depot announced the practice’s closure for the remainder of the week.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe, as well as his wife Monique,” the post reads. “He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
Brother-in-law Rob Misleh told WLWT that the couple made the most out of life every day.
“You never saw them without a smile on their face,” Misleh said. “They were so warm. Their place in Columbus was just where everybody gathered. They always had people over. Always having fun. Just great people.”
He added that they were devoted parents to their two young children.
“They lived for their children,” Misleh explained to the outlet. “Spencer was an avid golfer. Mo was an avid runner. They still did those things, but they put those aside when, when the kids were born and their lives became about their children.”
Columbus police asked anyone with information to please contact the department.
“The Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit is asking that anyone who may have video, photographs, or other digital evidence related to this incident, including suspicious individuals or vehicles, from 12/30/2025, between 12 am to 9 am, in the area bordered by Summit St. (East Boundary) to N. Grant Ave. (West Boundary) and E. 7th Ave. (South Boundary) to E. 11th Ave. (North Boundary) use the attached QR code to upload that evidence to assist with the investigation,” police urged in the post. “The submission may remain anonymous, and no account is required.”
Loved ones created a GoFundMe account or the couple’s children. It’s raised more than $145,000 thus far.
Who kills two people and leaves their bodies inside a home with two little kids? There’s no other way to describe this type of crime other than evil. We hope the police find their suspect quickly and that this family will receive the justice they deserve.
