Key Takeaways
- The Columbus police have released a timeline in the investigation of the murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe, a Columbus-area dentist and his wife.
- The police are seeking public assistance and urging anyone with video, photographs, or digital evidence from Tuesday between midnight and 9 a.m. to come forward.
- The Tepes’ two young children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed and are now in the care of relatives.
- No arrests have been made, and police haven’t shared many details in the case.
- The family of the victims has released a statement, describing Spencer and Monique as "extraordinary people" who were "filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others".
Introduction to the Case
The Columbus police have released a timeline in the investigation of the murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe, a Columbus-area dentist and his wife. The couple was found shot to death on Tuesday, and despite the national and international attention the case has garnered, no arrests have been made. The police are now seeking public assistance, urging anyone with video, photographs, or digital evidence from Tuesday between midnight and 9 a.m. to come forward. This request spans a large area, including Summit Street, North Grant Avenue, East 7th Avenue, and East 11th Avenue.
The Investigation So Far
The investigation into the murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe is ongoing, and the police are working to gather evidence and piece together the events surrounding the crime. The Tepes’ bodies were discovered after Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at his Athens dental office, prompting a welfare check. The police found no signs of forced entry or a weapon at the scene, and the Tepes’ two young children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed and are now in the care of relatives. The police are reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses, but so far, they have not released any information about potential suspects or motives.
The Victims and Their Family
Spencer and Monique Tepe were described by their family as "extraordinary people" who were "filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others". Spencer was a devoted and proud father, a loving partner, and a friend to everyone he met. He was intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming, and was fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to serving others. Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her. She had a background in childhood education and brought care and intention into everything she did. The couple was proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection.
The Family’s Statement
The family of Spencer and Monique Tepe released a statement on Friday, expressing their devastation and heartbreak over the loss of their loved ones. The statement, read by Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, described the couple as "extraordinary people" who were "filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others". The family is committed to seeing the tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply. The statement also highlighted the couple’s love of travel, laughter, and building a life rooted in love.
The Community’s Response
The community is coming together to support the family and friends of Spencer and Monique Tepe. A memorial has been set up outside the North Fourth Street home where the Tepes lived in Weinland Park, with four friends carrying flowers and a soccer ball keeping the memorial alive. The police are also doing guard duty at two homes belonging to relatives several miles away, and the family has asked for privacy during this difficult time. The case has garnered national and international attention, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their family.
Conclusion
The investigation into the murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe is ongoing, and the police are working to gather evidence and piece together the events surrounding the crime. The family of the victims has released a statement, describing the couple as "extraordinary people" who were "filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others". The community is coming together to support the family and friends of the victims, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their family. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the family will find closure and healing in the days ahead.