Police in Ohio continue to investigate the killings of Ohio dentist Spencer and Monique Tepe, who were found fatally shot in their home with their two children “unharmed,” more than a week ago, according to investigators.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or potential motives as of the afternoon of January 8, 2026.
The Columbus Division of Police shared footage of a person of interest on January 5, 2026, and said that the agency has received several tips.
Us Weekly explains everything to know about the case so far.
When Were Spencer and Monique Tepe Killed?
Investigators suspect Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were shot and killed in the upstairs of their Columbus home between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on December 30, 2025.
They lived in Columbus’ Weinland Park neighborhood with their two young children and a goldendoodle, The Columbus Dispatch reported.
During the time investigators believe the Tepes were killed, police shared on January 5 that a person of interest was seen walking down an alley by their residence.
Footage shared by the Columbus Division of Police shows the individual wearing a black hoodie and pants that are light in color.
While speaking with WSYX on January 8, 2026, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said “We know that there are a lot of concerns and a lot of questions surrounding this case.”
“Unfortunately, there are some things that we can’t talk about for the integrity of the investigation,” Bryant added.
What Happened the Day Spencer and Monique Tepe Were Killed?
The morning of December 30, one of Spencer Tepe’s colleagues at Athens Dental Depot, where he worked as a dentist, called the police around 9 a.m. after he did not show for work, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
This led police to conduct a well-being check.
The newspaper has since reported that an officer initially went to the wrong home that morning.
Afterward, a family friend found the Tepes dead inside their house, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Then, around 10:04 a.m. that morning, officers entered the house and found Spencer and Monique Tepe had been shot, according to a police incident report previously viewed by Us.
More than a week before the killings, on the morning of December 19, 2025, a woman who lived near the couple called 911 about someone “banging” on her door, Fox News reported, citing a 911 transcript.
The woman told a dispatcher she did not know who was at her home, according to the outlet. Call logs from the incident said “the problem left” about 15 minutes later.
Bryant told WSYX that the Tepes’ case is complex and her department will share more information when available.
“Right now it’s premature for us to be able to say what the motive is, or we don’t have a suspect identified at this point,” Bryant said.
Is There an Official Cause of Death for Spencer and Monique Tepe?
Official reports on the couple’s deaths are pending, according to Jeremy Blake, the director of public affairs for the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Blake previously told Us that “Currently, we would use the term apparent homicide by gunshot wounds.”
What Was Spencer and Monique Tepe’s Relationship Like?
An online obituary for the couple says “Spencer and Monique met online and quickly grew their relationship into a solid foundation of love and respect with a side of goofiness.”
They got married during a private ceremony attended by their loved ones on December 13, 2020, according to the obituary.
They were both the “life of the party,” and would host several gatherings for family and friends, the obituary says.
Spencer Tepe, according to the obituary, was “passionate about dentistry,” playing soccer and golf, “entertaining family and friends,” and focusing on “taking care of his family.”
Monique Tepe “was a stay at home mom known for her bright smile, infectious laugh, caring heart, and bubbly personality.”
A remembrance service and a celebration of life will be held for the Tepes on January 11, 2026.
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