Sun Jan 04 12:50:00 UTC 2026: ## Columbus Community Mourns Couple Found Dead in Apparent Homicide
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) – A somber scene has emerged in Weinland Park as a memorial of flowers grows outside the home of Spencer and Monique Tepe, a couple found dead inside their residence on N. 4th Street Tuesday morning. Columbus Police are investigating the incident as a double homicide.
Officers responded to the Tepe’s home after a welfare check was requested when Spencer Tepe, 37, failed to arrive at Athens Dental Depot, where he worked as a dentist. The owner, Dr. Mark Valrose, alerted authorities, stating that Tepe was typically punctual and had not notified anyone of his absence.
According to police, there were no signs of forced entry. Spencer Tepe was discovered to have multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique Tepe, 39, sustained at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities do not believe the incident was a murder-suicide, and no firearm was found at the scene.
The initial 911 call came in at 9:03 a.m. Tuesday. After an initial unresponsive visit by the police, concerned coworkers arrived at the home, where one friend then called 911 again after hearing children crying inside. Another 911 call reported seeing Spencer’s body inside the home. Police confirmed that two young children were found unharmed within the residence.
The Tepes, who married in 2021 and were nearing their five-year anniversary, were remembered by family as a loving couple. Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, shared their wedding video, which showed them exchanging vows in their N. 4th St. home.
“Detective Weiner is the lead investigator on the case, assisted by Detective Miller,” shared Rob Misleh in a statement released Friday on behalf of the family. “Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).”
The investigation remains ongoing into the new year.
First Piper 