Manhunt Underway After Dentist and Wife Found Shot Dead in Columbus Home
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A tense manhunt is ongoing after Spencer Tepe, a local dentist, and his wife, Monique, were found shot to death in their Columbus home, with their two young children unharmed inside. The couple, who were preparing to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, were discovered Tuesday morning following a wellness check prompted by concern from Spencer’s employer.
The Columbus Police Department responded to a call at approximately 9:22 a.m. after Mark Valrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot where Spencer worked, reported that Spencer had not shown up for work and could not be reached. Valrose described Spencer’s absence as “very out of character” and expressed worry about both Spencer and his wife.
Upon arrival, officers knocked on both the front and back doors multiple times but received no response. Later, at 9:57 a.m., a friend of Spencer’s called 911 from the scene, reporting hearing one of the children yelling inside the home. Another friend called shortly after, reporting a body visible inside.
Police found Spencer Tepe had been shot multiple times, while Monique Tepe sustained at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Despite the violent scene, the couple’s two young children were found safe and unharmed inside the residence. Authorities have not recovered a firearm at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry, leading investigators to rule out a murder-suicide scenario.
The Columbus Police Department has requested surveillance footage from neighbors and anyone in the area between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the morning of the shooting to aid in identifying the suspect. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
This tragic event has shaken the Columbus community, as the Tepes were well-known and respected. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting local law enforcement in the ongoing search for the individual responsible. Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Columbus Police Department.
Spencer Tepe was a dedicated dental professional at Athens Dental Depot, and his sudden death has left colleagues and patients mourning. The incident highlights the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes, as authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the shooting.
For updates on this case and other public safety information, the public can consult resources such as the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s violent crime division. The police department encourages anyone with relevant video footage or information to contact them immediately.
As the search for the suspect continues, the community mourns the loss of Spencer and Monique Tepe while hoping for justice and safety for their children and neighbors.
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