911 Call From Months Earlier Surfaces in Columbus Ohio Dentist Murder; Police Release Video of Person of Interest
Columbus mourns after dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were found fatally shot on Dec. 30, 2025, in their Weinland Park home; their two young children were unharmed while police continue a complex homicide investigation.
Key takeaways
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37 (dentist), and his wife Monique, 39; their children, ages 4 and 1, were unharmed — coverage by Fox News and 6ABC.
- Scene details: Bodies found Dec. 30, 2025; no signs of forced entry and no weapon recovered; police estimate deaths occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. (see Fox News).
- Evidence: Grainy alley surveillance shows a person of interest; police released video and are seeking tips (police video on YouTube).
Prior 911 call at the Tepe residence
Public dispatch records show an unnamed woman placed a 911 call from the Tepe home on April 15, 2025, at about 2:45 a.m., reporting a “domestic dispute.” The caller was crying and said, “me and my man got into it,” then hung up and later called back to say officers were not needed. Columbus officials have not publicly tied that April call to the December homicides. Reporting and the dispatch records were detailed by Fox News.
“me and my man got into it,” — excerpt from April 15, 2025 911 dispatch log released to media.
Discovery of the bodies and initial police response
How the scene was discovered: Spencer Tepe’s employer at Athens Dental Depot reported he failed to show for work and could not be reached; Mark Valrose called 911 about 10 a.m. A friend observed a body through a window and alerted police. Officers arriving after that call found both Spencer and Monique with apparent gunshot wounds. Details were reported by Fox News and shown in the police video release (YouTube).
Scene observations: Police reported no signs of forced entry and no firearm recovered at the house. Investigators believe the killings occurred hours earlier on the home’s second floor. The two children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed; authorities prioritized their safety and care while the probe continues (coverage by 6ABC).
Investigation, surveillance video and person of interest in Columbus
In early January, Columbus police released grainy surveillance footage taken near the Weinland Park home during the 2–5 a.m. window investigators believe the slayings occurred. The clip shows a lone person walking slowly in an alley wearing a dark coat (possibly with a hood) and light-colored pants with hands in pockets. The image is not clear enough for identification; police described the figure as a person of interest rather than a named suspect. See the released footage on YouTube and follow coverage at Fox News and 6ABC.
Police widened their canvass and requested video, photos or other evidence from midnight to 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 across a broad area including Summit Street, Northwood Avenue, East 7th Avenue and East 11th Avenue. Investigators said tips were coming in and urged anyone with information to contact Columbus police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (phone numbers below).
Status: No arrests announced; no public suspect identification. Detectives continue physical evidence analysis, witness interviews, and follow leads to link the alley footage to other activity the night of Dec. 30. Police have emphasized methodical forensics to avoid premature conclusions (reports by Fox News and 6ABC).
Family background and reactions
Friends and relatives described the Tepe family as close and devoted. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate who worked as a dentist, was remembered as dependable by his employer and colleagues. The couple, married in 2021, had plans to mark their fifth anniversary later this year. Family members called the killings “tragic and senseless” and pleaded for answers; brother-in-law Rob Misleh said the family is “heartbroken beyond words” and demanded justice for the children (reported by Fox News and 6ABC).
A family statement, distributed to local media, said relatives are “committed to pursuing justice for the children” and asked for privacy as investigators work. Neighbors left flowers and notes outside the Weinland Park home and expressed shock that a young family could be targeted in a quiet residential area.
Why the case matters nationally
The Tepe investigation resonated beyond Columbus for several reasons: a professional couple living near a major university, two small children left parentless, and unanswered questions — no forced entry, no weapon at the scene, and a lone figure on nearby cameras — that touch on broader concerns about home security and urban anonymity.
Communities nationwide face similar debates about surveillance, neighborhood watch programs, and police resources; the facts here prompt discussions about how to balance privacy, public safety, and effective investigations (context and local reporting: 6ABC, Fox News).
Implications for United States
Economic: High-profile violent crimes can affect local commerce, housing demand, and recruitment in college towns; businesses may see decreased foot traffic and property values can be pressured when perceptions of safety decline.
Political: Cases like this often enter local and state debates over public safety, policing resources, and gun policy; lawmakers may face pressure to increase patrols, forensic funding, or camera networks.
Social & cultural: The case underscores strain on first responders and victim services, the mobilization of community support, and broader concerns about protecting families and children.
Practical applications for residents
Police requests for tips underscore the value of public cooperation. Residents are urged to:
- Check home security cameras, doorbell footage, and dash cams for Dec. 30 activity.
- Share video/photos taken between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 if they show unusual activity.
- Reexamine neighborhood lighting, camera placement, and reporting protocols through local watch groups and businesses.
For more information or to follow local coverage, see reporting from Fox News and 6ABC.
Ongoing leads and what to watch next
Investigators say they are following tips and continuing forensic work. Key items to watch:
- Any forensic matches tying evidence from the Tepe home to a person or weapon.
- Release of clearer surveillance or additional camera angles that could identify the person of interest (video already posted to YouTube).
- Public identification of suspects or formal arrests announced by Columbus police.
For those with information
Anyone with video, photos, or tips is asked to contact:
- Columbus police: 614-645-2228
- Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 614-461-8477
Tips may help move the Tepe couple investigation forward and bring accountability for the family and community seeking answers. For ongoing coverage, see Fox News, 6ABC, and the police video release on YouTube.
