Children of Murdered Ohio Dentist and Wife Remain ‘As Unaware as Possible,’ Family Member Reveals
The children of murdered dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique Tepe were discovered physically unharmed after their parents’ homicide on December 30th
Monique’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh states he believes the children did not see the crime scene
The youngsters are “being cared for lovingly” and receiving support from extended family, Misleh shared with NewsNation
The brother-in-law of Monique and Spencer Tepe the Ohio couple discovered slain at their residence last week reports their children are too young to comprehend their parents’ fate.
Children Found Safe but Traumatized
The children were discovered physically uninjured inside the couple’s Columbus, Ohio, residence, where Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were found deceased on December 30th, the Columbus Division of Police confirmed at the time.
However, a family acquaintance who contacted emergency services from outside the residence while awaiting police arrival for a welfare check reported hearing the children’s cries from inside, CNN previously documented, referencing emergency call records.
Family Provides Care and Protection
Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister, shared with NewsNation during an interview that the deceased couple’s children are “being cared for lovingly,” though remain “unaware.”
“We’ve had them with us these past few days… they’ve been just as cheerful and, tragically, oblivious as children could be,” Misleh explained to NewsNation’s Banfield. “But they’re receiving loving care, and additional family members are rallying around them to ensure their wellbeing.”
The couple’s surviving daughter is 4 years old and their son is 1 year old, Misleh confirms to people. He expresses difficulty determining how to inform the girl about her parents’ passing.
“We simply don’t have the answer for that,” Misleh admitted. “I’m certain she’s questioning when she’ll see her mommy and daddy next.”
Shielding Children from Trauma
Misleh emphasized that he believes the children were shielded from witnessing the crime scene.
“From what I understand, I don’t believe they were. I don’t believe they witnessed what occurred,” he stated, continuing, “or at minimum, that’s what I desperately hope.”
Limited Information Released by Authorities
Law enforcement has maintained strict confidentiality regarding the investigation, providing minimal details nearly a week following the killings.
On Monday, January 5th, police disclosed an unsettling segment of surveillance footage displaying a person walking near the couple’s residence around the timeframe investigators believe the couple were killed.
The footage captures a hooded figure moving calmly along a snow-covered street, wearing dark attire. The individual’s face is not distinctly visible in the video, though it remains unclear whether this results from video quality limitations or if the person deliberately concealed their face.
Community Asked to Help
Anyone possessing information that could assist in identifying the individual is urged to contact police at 614-645-2228 or submit anonymous information to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
The devastating loss has left extended family members grappling with how to support two young children through an incomprehensible tragedy. While the children remain physically safe, the emotional impact of losing both parents simultaneously—even if they don’t yet understand it—will require extensive family support and professional guidance in the years ahead.
As investigators work to identify suspects and establish a motive, the immediate focus for family members like Misleh centers on providing stability, love, and protection for the two children who have suddenly become orphans. The challenge of eventually explaining their parents’ absence weighs heavily on those now caring for them.
The Columbus community has rallied around the family, with many expressing shock that such violence could occur in what’s typically considered a peaceful neighborhood. As the investigation continues, the priority remains both finding justice for Spencer and Monique while ensuring their children receive the care and support they need during this traumatic period.
The couple’s tragic deaths have left a void not only in their children’s lives but throughout the dental community where Spencer practiced and among the many friends and family members who knew them as devoted parents and valued members of their community.