Key Takeaways:

• Spencer and Monique Tepe, a couple with two young children, were found dead in their Columbus, Ohio home.
• The killings are being investigated as a double homicide, with no obvious signs of forced entry and no firearm found at the scene.
• The couple’s children, ages 1 and 4, were found unharmed in the residence.
• Police are asking the public for any information about the case, and are examining forensics, possible entry points, and the Tepe family’s background to determine a motive and possible suspects.
• The community is in shock, and the Tepe family is committed to seeing justice brought to the perpetrators.

Introduction to the Tragedy
The tragic events that unfolded in the Tepe household have left the community in shock and disbelief. A video from 2021 showed the immense joy of Spencer and Monique Tepe on their wedding day, exchanging vows and embracing in their Columbus, Ohio home. However, just one month before their fifth anniversary, the same setting became the site of unspeakable tragedy. The respected dentist, 37, and his 39-year-old wife, a stay-at-home mother, were found dead in their upscale home while their two young children were inside. A memorial of roses and sunflowers now grows outside the home, as news of the shocking killings spreads nationwide.

The Investigation
Law enforcement has been reluctant to disclose any details about a possible suspect or motive, but has revealed that the killer or killers remain on the loose. The police have stated that there were no obvious signs of forced entry, and no firearm was found at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking the public for any information about the case. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has stated that autopsy reports can take between eight and 10 weeks to complete, and a police incident report from Tuesday said Spencer and Monique Tepe were victims of homicide.

How the Tragedy Unfolded
The events leading up to the discovery of the bodies began when Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, located about 75 miles southeast of the family’s Columbus home. His colleagues and employer, Dr. Mark Valrose, became concerned when they could not get in touch with him or his wife, and Valrose made the first 911 call at around 8:58 a.m. to request a wellness check. The officer who arrived at the home to perform the welfare check found no one answering the door, and it wasn’t until a friend of Tepe’s called 911 to report a body that the police found the bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe.

The Search for Answers
The police are examining forensics, possible entry points, and the Tepe family’s background to determine a motive and possible suspects. CNN Senior National Security Analyst Juliette Kayyem has stated that the lack of a recovered firearm and the fact that the children were left safe suggest that the deaths are being investigated as a double homicide, rather than a murder-suicide. Kayyem also noted that the crime is "exceptionally rare" given the lack of signs of forced entry, and that investigators will likely look at people who knew the couple or had a connection to them.

Remembering the Victims
Spencer and Monique Tepe were described by their family as "extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and a deep connection to others." Spencer was a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met, while Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother. The couple shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship, bonded by a love of travel, laughter, and a mission to "build a life rooted in love." The Tepe family has stated that they are "heartbroken beyond words" and are committed to seeing justice brought to the perpetrators.

Community Reaction
The community is in shock and mourning the loss of the young couple. Athens Dental Depot, where Spencer worked, announced its closure for the rest of the week and shared news of the "sudden passing" of the couple on Facebook. The statement expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the couple and noted that Spencer will be deeply missed by his colleagues and patients. The Tepe family has asked for privacy and support during this difficult time, and the community is coming together to honor the memory of Spencer and Monique Tepe.