Law enforcement officials in Columbus, Ohio, have made public security camera images featuring a potential suspect connected to the murder of a local couple found fatally shot in their residence late last month.
The victims, identified as 37-year-old Dr. Spencer Tepe, a practicing dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, aged 39, were discovered with gunshot wounds on the second floor of their home around 10 a.m. on December 30, following a wellness check prompted after Spencer Tepe failed to arrive at work. Emergency medical teams pronounced both deceased at the scene.
Also present during the incident were the couple's two young children, who were fortunately unharmed, according to police statements.
Unanswered Questions Surround the Tragic Event
Critical details regarding the motive and perpetrator remain unclear. Investigators estimate the couple were shot sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the morning they were found.
The initial notification to authorities came from Dr. Tepe's employer concerned by his absence. The dispatcher relayed to a concerned caller that occasionally employees miss work, but the employer emphasized that his absence was highly unusual and concerning. Subsequent calls requested wellness checks, culminating in a distressed acquaintance reporting the discovery of a body at 10:03 a.m., describing Dr. Tepe’s corpse in a pool of blood beside a bed.
A spokesman for the Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deaths are considered homicides resulting from gunshot wounds but noted that comprehensive reports will not be finalized for several weeks.
Images Released Depict Person of Interest
On the Monday following the incident, investigators circulated surveillance video capturing an unidentified individual roaming an alley close to the Tepe residence during the estimated timeframe when the attack occurred. The person appears dressed in light-colored trousers and a dark hooded jacket.
Police have appealed to the community to assist in identifying this individual and have assured that detectives are actively pursuing leads to resolve the case.
Community Remembers the Tepe Family
Family members issued a heartfelt statement commemorating the couple as remarkable individuals whose lives were marked by love, happiness, and strong bonds with those around them.
Dr. Spencer Tepe was an alumnus of Ohio State University, affiliated with the American Dental Association, and engaged with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was noted for his enthusiasm as a fan of local sports teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes.
Monique Tepe was remembered as a devoted, patient, and joyful mother, passionate about baking and known for her thoughtful planning. They were the proud parents of two children, whom they loved and cared for with dedication, according to a statement by a relative.