Ohio Dentist and Wife Found Dead at Their Home: What We Know So Far

The deaths of an Ohio dentist and his wife have left a Columbus community shaken, as investigators work to determine what led to the tragic discovery inside their home. What began as concern over a missed work shift quickly escalated into a homicide investigation that continues to raise troubling questions.

Missed Routine Sparks Initial Concern

On the morning of December 30, 2025, Columbus police received a call requesting a welfare check on Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist who had not shown up for work and could not be reached by phone. According to public records later obtained by The Columbus Dispatch, the call came in at 9:03 a.m. from a colleague who described the absence as highly unusual.

Tepe was known for being punctual and reliable. He worked Tuesdays at Athens Dental Depot, which opens at 8 a.m., and coworkers said he would always notify staff if he was running late or unable to come in. His unexplained silence immediately raised alarm.

An officer arrived at the couple’s home on the 1400 block of North Fourth Street around 9:22 a.m., but received no response at the door and left the scene.

A patrol car on the streets of Columbus, Ohio. | Source: Getty Images

Concern Grows as Multiple Calls Follow

As the morning progressed with no contact from Tepe, concern deepened. At 9:57 a.m., another call was made to police by a man at the residence who reported hearing children inside the house. Just minutes later, at 10:00 a.m., a second coworker contacted authorities, stating she was worried and heading to the home herself.

At 10:05 a.m., police received a call from a friend who had gone to the residence after repeated unanswered phone calls. According to dispatcher recordings, the caller reported seeing a body inside the home near a bed and told authorities, “There is a body inside.”

Police returned to the residence, located two young children inside, and executed a search warrant.

A photo of Spencer and Monique Tepe’s residence, seen from a video post dated January 5, 2026. | Source: YouTube/WKYCChannel3

What Authorities Found Inside the Home

Investigators later confirmed that Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead inside their Weinland Park home. Police radio logs indicated that Spencer had been shot multiple times. A dispatcher report also referenced a “41A,” a police code commonly associated with robbery investigations.

Authorities stated that there were no signs of a murder-suicide, but they declined to release additional details about the circumstances of the killings. As of December 31, 2025, Columbus police had not publicly named any suspects and had not confirmed whether a robbery occurred.

Rob Misleh talks about Spencer and Monique Tepe, seen from a video post dated January 5, 2026. | Source: YouTube/WKYCChannel3

Who Spencer and Monique Tepe Were

Spencer Tepe was a practicing dentist whose staff profile described him as dedicated to both his patients and his family. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and biology from The Ohio State University and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree there in 2017.

Outside of work, he was described as enjoying golf, travel, and time with loved ones. In the days following his death, Athens Dental Depot closed temporarily to allow staff to grieve.

Monique Tepe was remembered by neighbors and family as warm, kind, and deeply involved in her community. Friends described the couple’s Columbus home as a gathering place where family and friends regularly came together.

Someone was googling Monique Tepe ~12 hours before the murders in Columbus. Google has blocked lookup for Spencer Tepe, but I think this is of interest. pic.twitter.com/HTlQpaYo4k

— Luke (@CuriousLuke93x) January 3, 2026

What Investigators Have Said — and Ruled Out

While many details remain unclear, police have addressed several key points publicly. Investigators have stated that the case is being treated as a homicide and that a murder-suicide has been ruled out. They have not confirmed forced entry, nor have they explained how the suspect or suspects may have entered the home.

Some media reports have suggested that a nearby police camera mounted on a utility pole may have captured a person fleeing the area shortly after the shooting. However, authorities have not publicly confirmed the existence or relevance of any such footage.

A Neighborhood in Shock

Neighbors described the Weinland Park area as typically quiet and close-knit. Residents living nearby told local reporters they were stunned to learn that such violence had occurred so close to their homes.

One neighbor said he was away when the shooting happened and felt deeply unsettled upon returning and learning what had taken place. Another neighbor recalled frequently seeing Monique leaving for work in the mornings and described the news as alarming and heartbreaking.

Family and Community Mourn

As the investigation continues, grief has spread through both the family and the broader community. A relative described the emotional toll as a mix of shock, anger, and sorrow. Family members emphasized the couple’s devotion to their children and the strong support system now rallying around them.

A GoFundMe campaign, created by a family member, described Spencer and Monique as deeply connected to others and loving parents whose children now face an unimaginable loss. Colleagues at the dental practice also expressed their grief, noting the impact Spencer had on patients and coworkers alike.

Unanswered Questions Remain

In the days following the killings, online speculation has circulated, including unverified claims about internet searches related to Monique’s name prior to the deaths. Police have not commented on these claims or indicated whether they are relevant.

For now, investigators continue to work the case, seeking answers to critical questions: who entered the home, why the couple was targeted, and whether any evidence inside the house can help identify those responsible.

What began as a simple concern over a missed shift has become a deeply troubling case that underscores how quickly routine can turn into tragedy. Until more information is released, the deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe remain defined not only by what is known, but by the silence surrounding what has yet to be explained.