At a Glance
- Ohio police are hunting the shooter who killed dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique on Dec. 30.
- The couple’s two children were left orphaned.
- No suspect has been named and the case is being treated as a homicide.
- Why it matters: The tragedy underscores the impact of violent crime on families and communities.
On Dec. 30, police in Columbus, Ohio, responded to a series of frantic calls that led to the discovery of the bodies of dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique. The couple, who had two young children, were found dead in their home, and the case is being treated as a homicide with no suspect identified. Authorities are now searching for the shooter who left the family orphaned.
The Calls and Discovery
The first call came around 9 a.m. from Dr. Mark Valrose, owner of the dental practice, who noted that Spencer never missed work. An hour later, an unidentified male called 911 from outside the house, claiming he could hear children inside but could not get in. At 10 a.m., friend Alex Ditty reported seeing a body and described the scene.
| Time | Caller | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Dr. Mark Valrose | Noted Spencer’s punctuality |
| 10:00 a.m. | Alex Ditty | Reported body inside |
| 10:00 a.m. | Unidentified male | Heard children inside |
Police Investigation
Columbus police have ruled out a murder-suicide and are treating the case as a homicide. Investigators have not publicly named any suspects and have not released further updates as of Friday. Three 9-mm casings were found at the scene, and the children were safe in a different room.
Family Statements
The Tepe Family stated:
> “They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.”
> “Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love. They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection.”
Dr. Mark Valrose commented:
> “Spencer would be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years.”
Alex Ditty recounted:
> “There’s blood. He’s laying next to his bed, off of his bed, and there’s blood. I can’t get closer to see more than that.”
Monique had a background in childhood education and loved baking, while Spencer was fluent in Spanish and practiced at Athens Dental Depot. The couple had married in the house where they were killed and were a month shy of their fifth wedding anniversary.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio police are actively searching for the shooter who killed dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique.
- The case is treated as a homicide with no suspect publicly named.
- Two young children were left orphaned, and the family has released heartfelt statements about their loved ones.
The investigation continues as authorities seek answers and a suspect in this tragic Ohio homicide.
