Columbus couple found shot to death; police release video of person of interest as investigators debunk earlier 911-domestic-dispute claim
Columbus couple Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30, 2025, leaving two young children unharmed; police released video of a person of interest and seek public tips.
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, a dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot to death on Dec. 30, 2025 — reported by KOMO/Komonews and ABC News.
- Children: Two young children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed and are now with relatives (KOMO/Komonews, ABC News).
- Person of interest: Police released grainy footage of a male-statured figure in a dark hoodie; authorities ask anyone with video from 2–5 a.m. Dec. 30 to call tips to Columbus police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (police video).
Discovery and timeline of the Columbus homicide investigation
Columbus police were alerted on Dec. 30 when staff at the dental office where Spencer worked became concerned after he did not show for work. Coworkers and friends went to the couple’s Weinland Park home near N. 4th St. for a welfare check.
Officers initially reported no obvious signs of trouble, but they later re-entered the house and discovered Spencer and Monique deceased from apparent gunshot wounds on the second floor. The children (ages 4 and 1) were found unharmed and placed with relatives (KOMO/Komonews, ABC News).
Investigators estimate the killings occurred in the early morning between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30 while the neighborhood was quiet; no weapon has been recovered and police have ruled out murder-suicide (KOMO/Komonews, ABC News).
Person of interest, surveillance canvass and evidence requests
Police released grainy footage showing a male-statured figure in a dark hoodie and jeans walking with hands in pockets in an alley near the Tepe home during the 2–5 a.m. window. The footage was compiled from private and public cameras dense in the area. Investigators urged anyone who recognizes the figure or who has video or photos from that window to come forward (KOMO/Komonews, ABC News, police video).
Tip lines: Columbus police: (614) 645-2228; Central Ohio Crime Stoppers: (614) 461-8477.
Officials highlighted that investigators identified more than two dozen private cameras near the residence and noted police “crime cameras” at N. 4th St. and E. 8th Ave. directly across from the home. Police specifically requested footage from Summit St., North Grant Ave., East 7th Ave., and East 11th Ave. covering the early morning hours of Dec. 30 (KOMO/Komonews).
Family reaction, community support and fundraising
Relatives described the Tepes as a warm, steady couple. Family members — including brother-in-law Rob Misleh — said Spencer was calm and kind and Monique was warm and strong. The couple had been approaching their five-year anniversary at the time of their deaths.
A GoFundMe set up for the children’s care had raised more than $140,000 by Jan. 6, 2026, as the community rallied. A growing memorial outside the home includes flowers and notes while relatives urged patience to allow investigators to build a complete timeline (KOMO/Komonews).
Fact check: no public record of earlier 911 domestic-dispute call at the Tepe home
Questions circulated online about whether there had been an earlier 911 call or a reported domestic dispute at the Tepe residence months earlier. Our review of available reporting and police statements found no published record or official notice supporting that claim.
Local reporting and police materials documenting the Dec. 30 discovery and subsequent investigation include no reference to a prior domestic violence 911 call. Officials have not cited any earlier police call to that address in released materials to date. Given the seriousness of such allegations, detectives typically document prior calls and include them in timelines when relevant. The absence of that information in public reporting suggests there was no known, reported domestic-dispute 911 call linked to the home — at least none police or reporters have confirmed (KOMO/Komonews, ABC News, police video).
Why this remains a puzzling Columbus homicide investigation
Several details complicate the case: no forced entry, no sign of robbery or clear motive, no recovered weapon, and detectives ruling out murder-suicide. The early-morning time frame and the grainy nature of released footage make positive identification difficult.
Investigators are relying heavily on tips and private camera footage; resolution depends in part on public cooperation and the recovery of clearer video or witness accounts (ABC News, police video).
Implications for The High Desert, California
Although geographically distant, the Tepes’ murders resonate with High Desert residents concerned about safety for small businesses and families. The case highlights possible local responses:
- Economic: heightened interest in security upgrades, potential insurance questions, and discussions among small-business owners about safety measures.
- Political: renewed calls for visible policing, expanded neighborhood watch programs, and better coordination of municipal cameras with law enforcement.
- Social: community support networks, fundraising, and mental-health resources for families in crisis.
How residents can help and stay informed
Authorities ask anyone with information related to the Tepe family murders — including sightings of the person in the released footage or private video from Summit St., North Grant Ave., East 7th Ave., or East 11th Ave. during 2–5 a.m. on Dec. 30 — to contact Columbus police tip lines at (614) 645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.
Investigative reporters and detectives note that small, verifiable details often break difficult cases. For now the person of interest remains unidentified and authorities continue to piece together what happened so they can provide answers to the children, relatives and the wider community. Watch the released footage and report any relevant material to investigators (KOMO/Komonews, ABC News, police video).
