Beloved Ohio dentist and wife shot and killed in their home. The crime scene only baffles the investigators.

A well-known Ohio dentist and his wife are dead after police discovered their bodies inside their Columbus home on December 30, 2025. Police say they do not believe it was a murder-suicide, but there was no sign of forced entry, and no firearm has so far been recovered.

What happened to Spencer and Monique Tepe?

Columbus police confirmed Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered during a welfare check after Spencer failed to show up for work and could not be reached. Authorities say both were killed from apparent gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. The couple was just one month away from celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary.

An officer arrived at the home for a welfare check earlier that same morning, but left when no one answered the door. According to the 911 call released by authorities, friends who later arrived at the home reported hearing the children crying inside, that they could see a body through a window, but the doors were locked. When officers arrived, they forced entry and found the Tepes dead.

Police also confirmed the couple’s two young children, a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son, were inside the home when their parents were killed. The children were found alive and physically unharmed and were placed into the care of family members.

Investigators have not disclosed whether they believe the suspect knew the victims, how the shooter may have entered or exited the home without signs of a break-in, or whether burglary was involved. While no gun was found, three 9mm shell casings were recovered inside the house.

Who were Spencer and Monique Tepe?

According to local news outlet WBNS, Spencer was a practicing dentist in Ohio, widely regarded by colleagues and patients as reliable, professional, and deeply committed to his work. His failure to appear for scheduled appointments was described as highly uncharacteristic. Just a few weeks before he died, Spencer’s clinic shared a Facebook post celebrating his birthday.

Family members described Monique Tepe as a devoted mother and supportive partner. Friends have said the couple was active in their community and closely connected to family and friends throughout central and southeastern Ohio.

The Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit continues to review surveillance footage, cellphone data, and neighborhood camera recordings from the surrounding Weinland Park area, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours before the bodies were found.

As of this report, no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made. Police have not released a motive and say the investigation remains active. Authorities are urging anyone with information, including video footage, unusual activity, or digital data from the area, to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477 (TIPS).