Columbus, Ohio — The quiet streets of Weinland Park were shaken this week when beloved local dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, were found shot to death inside their North Fourth Street home, leaving their two young children without parents and a community in deep sorrow. The couple’s bodies were discovered late Tuesday morning after friends and coworkers grew worried when Spencer didn’t show up for work and couldn’t be reached.
Neighbors, wrapped in blankets against the winter chill, placed roses, sunflowers and notes of grief outside the family’s home. Inside, police say the couple’s 1-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter were found alive but crying, their safety becoming a central concern for relatives and investigators alike.
Columbus police confirm the deaths are being treated as a double homicide. Investigators found no signs of forced entry and no weapon at the scene, leading them to rule out murder-suicide and instead focus on locating a suspect who remains at large. Officers have not yet released details on any person of interest or motive.
Spencer, a respected dentist who worked at Athens Dental Depot, was known for his generosity and warm presence. A graduate of The Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association, he was fluent in Spanish and active in local mentorship programs. Friends describe him as a devoted father, loving partner, and someone who brought joy to every room.
Monique, whose background was in childhood education, was remembered as a patient and joyful mother whose warmth defined her life. She delighted in baking, thoughtfully planning moments with friends and family, and creating a welcoming home where laughter was common and love was abundant.
In a statement, family members called the deaths “tragic and senseless,” expressing their heartbreak while vowing to seek justice. They painted a picture of a couple deeply connected to each other and their community, whose lives were rooted in love and service. Their home was more than a residence — it was a hub of warmth, connection, and joy.
Police continue their search for the person responsible and are reviewing nearby surveillance footage, including from a camera mounted across the street that may have captured important clues. Community members have been asked to share any video or photos taken in the area on the night of the incident. Meanwhile, neighbors remember Spencer and Monique not for how they died, but for how they lived — as devoted parents and cherished friends in Weinland Park.
