The desperate cries of two young children led police to the bodies of an Ohio dentist and his wife, who were found shot dead in their family home.
A Tragic Discovery in Weinland Park
Dr Spencer Tepe, 37, and his 39-year-old wife Monique were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds on the second floor of their $700,000 property in Weinland Park. The grim find was made at approximately 10am on December 30.
Officers initially conducted a wellness check after Spencer failed to arrive at his dental practice in Athens, Ohio, and did not respond to repeated calls from concerned colleagues. When they received no answer at the door, they left the scene.
An hour later, coworkers and a friend went to the house themselves. They immediately sensed something was terribly wrong. A friend called 911 just before 10am, telling the dispatcher he "thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling." Another reported seeing Spencer's body near a bed inside the home.
Children Found Unharmed Amid Tragedy
Upon entering the residence, police found both adults deceased. Their two children—a one-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl—were found crying but physically unharmed. The youngsters are now in the care of family members.
Authorities have released crucial security footage showing a person of interest. The video, captured between 2am and 5am on the night of the tragedy, shows a figure in a dark hooded jacket and light-coloured trousers walking slowly with their head down and hands in pockets through a snowy alleyway near the Tepe family home.
Detectives believe the couple were shot during this three-hour window but have not yet established a motive for the killings. They are urging anyone who recognises the individual in the footage or has any information to come forward immediately.
Community Mourns "Extraordinary" Couple
The shocking murders have devastated the local community and the couple's wide circle of friends and family. A GoFundMe page set up by Spencer's cousin, Audrey Mackie, has raised more than $160,000 for the orphaned children's future care and support.
The fundraiser describes Spencer and Monique as "extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others." It praises Monique's infectious smile and warmth, and Spencer as the calm, kind soul of every gathering. "Together, they were truly remarkable inside and out," the page states.
Athens Dental Depot, where Spencer worked, posted a heartfelt statement on Facebook: "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."
The investigation remains active as police work to identify the hooded figure and uncover what led to this senseless double murder.
