A 911 call has surfaced from a home near the Columbus, Ohio, residence where Spencer and Monique Tepe were later found murdered. The call, first reported by Fox News Digital, was placed on December 19, 2025, just 11 days before the Tepes were killed.
In the call, a woman told a dispatcher that someone was violently banging on her door in the early morning hours. “So now they’re smashing on my door. I think they’re trying to get in. They’re banging on my doors,” the caller said, according to the transcript released by the outlet.
In the recording, the 911 operator asks whether the caller recognizes the person outside. “OK, someone’s banging and knocking. Do you know who this is?” the operator asks. “No, I can’t see [inaudible],” the woman replies.
When asked whether she had spoken to the person or if she knew what they wanted, the caller answered “No.” The dispatcher then pressed for more information, asking, “Do you have a description of them?” The caller was unable to provide one. Personal identifying information in the call was redacted before release.
Law enforcement officials have not confirmed any direct link between the December 19 call and the murders or confirmed that the person banging on the door is the person of interest in the Tepe case.
What happened to Spencer and Monique Tepe?
Spencer, a dentist, and his wife, Monique, were found dead inside their home on December 30, 2025, after a welfare check was requested when Spencer failed to show up for work. Authorities have said both victims suffered apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities say they believe Monique and Spencer were killed between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. that morning.
The couple’s two young children were found alive inside the home and were not physically harmed. Police have classified the deaths as a double homicide. Investigators have said there were no immediate signs of forced entry, and no weapon has been publicly identified.
As part of the investigation, the Columbus Division of Police released surveillance video showing a person of interest walking through a nearby alley during the early morning hours on the day of the killings. The individual appears to be wearing light-colored pants and a dark hooded sweatshirt. Officials have urged anyone who recognizes the person to contact police.
Authorities have emphasized that the individual shown in the video has not been identified publicly as a suspect, and no arrests have been announced. Police have said they are actively reviewing tips from the public.
An earlier 911 call from the Tepe home
Meanwhile, the December 19 call is not the only emergency call now under scrutiny. An earlier 911 call placed from the Tepe address months before the killings was initially categorized as a domestic disturbance. Family members later disputed that characterization, saying the voice on the call was not Monique’s and suggesting the call may have been unrelated to the couple.
Published: Jan 11, 2026 02:35 pm