In brief
Authorities in Columbus, Ohio, are investigating the shooting deaths of Dr. Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe, who were found in their home during a wellness check. Their two young children were unharmed. The police released security footage of a person of interest seen near their home at the time of the shootings, which are believed to have occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30. The couple's family remembers them as loving and devoted parents, and the community mourns their loss.
Authorities have released security footage of a person of interest in the killing of an Ohio couple who were found shot to death in their home last week.
Police in Columbus found Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and Monique Tepe, 39, with gunshot wounds on the second floor of their home at about 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 during a wellness check, authorities said. Medical personnel later pronounced them dead.
The couple’s two young children were also in the home but were unharmed, police said.
What happened?
Many questions remain about the case, including who might have killed the couple and why.
Detectives believe that the Tepes were shot between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the day they were found. A spokesperson for the Franklin County Coroner’s Office stated that the couple died in an “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds,” but that official reports won’t be available for several weeks.
Video shows a person of interest
On Monday, police released security footage of a person of interest who was seen walking in an alley near the couple’s home during the time frame investigators believe they were attacked. The individual was wearing light-colored pants and a dark hooded jacket, and police have appealed to the public for help in identifying them.
“We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident,” police stated. “Detectives are working diligently to solve this case.”
A community mourns
Family members have described the couple as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy and deep connection to others.”
Spencer Tepe graduated from Ohio State University, became a member of the American Dental Association, and was involved with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. He was also described as a “huge Bengals and Buckeyes fan,” according to the family.
Monique Tepe was said to be a “loving, patient, and joyful mother,” an avid baker, and a “thoughtful planner." A cousin, Audrey Mackie, added, “They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they showed up with unwavering love and devotion to their family.”
