Children’s cries lead police to bodies of Ohio dentist and wife shot dead in their home
A hooded figure walks slowly through a snowy alleyway next to the home of an Ohio dentist and his wife.
The couple were found shortly after shot dead in their home while their two young children cried out.
Dr Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were found with gunshot wounds on the second floor of their $700,000 Weinland Park home at about 10am on December 30.
Police were called to the couple’s home to do a wellness check after Spencer failed to turn up to work at his dental practice in Athens, Ohio, and did not answer repeated calls from his colleagues.
An initial wellness check was done by police, but after receiving no response at the door, officers left.
One hour later, coworkers and a friend went to the house themselves and immediately sensed something was wrong.
Just before 10am, a friend called 911, telling the dispatcher that he ‘thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling.’
Another reported seeing Spencer’s body next to a bed inside the home.
When police entered their residence, they found both adults dead and their two children, a one-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl, crying.
Police have now released security footage of a person of interest that shows the figure walking in an alley near the couple’s home between the hours of 2am and 5am.
Detectives believe the couple were shot during this three-hour timespan but are yet to establish a motive behind the killing.
The footage shows a person, wearing light coloured trousers and a dark hooded jacket, walking with their head down and hands in pockets.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognises the person or has any additional information to come forward.
A GoFundMe page set up by Mr Tepe’s cousin, Audrey Mackie, has raised more than $160,000 for the two children.
The fundraiser says: ‘Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique Tepe.
‘They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.
‘Their presence was as big as their hearts! Monique’s charm and infectious smile lit up every room. She was warm with a strength that inspired everyone around her.
‘Spencer was the soul of every gathering—grand in personality, yet calm, steady, and kind.
‘Together, they were truly remarkable inside and out. They were a solid pair with a bright future.
‘They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they showed up with unwavering love and devotion to their family.
‘The abrupt loss of Spencer and Monique has changed daily life in ways that are still unfolding.’
Athens Dental Depot, where Spencer worked, posted a statement on Facebook which read: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe, as well as his wife, Monique.
‘He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years.
‘Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time.’
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