Ohio Dentist and Spouse Discovered Dead in Their Residence What We Know?

“This is extremely alarming. He’s never done anything like this,” a coworker explained. Those words, uttered during what should have been a standard wellness visit, sparked the chain of events that would unfold.

Based on documents secured via public information requests and coverage by The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus law enforcement received their initial contact at 9:03 a.m. on December 30, 2025. A professional associate requested officers conduct a wellness check on Spencer Tepe, who hadn’t shown up for his shift and wasn’t responding to attempts to reach him.

For anyone familiar with Spencer’s dependability, his sudden absence was immediately troubling.

An Unusual Absence That Raised Red Flags

Spencer’s position at Athens Dental Depot required him to be present when doors opened at 8 a.m. every Tuesday. The person placing the emergency call emphasized how completely unlike him this behavior was.

“He never misses work and always lets us know if something comes up,” the coworker explained to emergency services. “I’m not sure what else to tell you.” An officer reached the property on the 1400 block of North 4th Street at approximately 9:22 a.m., knocked without getting an answer, and departed.

As hours ticked by with Spencer still out of contact, the anxiety that started among his colleagues began spreading. At 9:57 a.m., another emergency call was placed—this time from someone at the property who reported hearing young voices coming from inside. By 10 a.m., a third coworker contacted authorities, expressing deep worry and indicating she was driving to the address herself.

Five minutes later, at 10:05 a.m., someone who knew the family called from outside the residence. He explained he’d gone there after Spencer stopped responding to calls. Based on emergency dispatch audio, the caller reported seeing what appeared to be someone lying motionless near a bedroom. “I can see someone inside,” the caller reported.

Officers returned immediately, discovered two small children in the home, and obtained authorization to conduct a thorough search. What they discovered inside validated everyone’s darkest concerns.

The Victims Identified

Law enforcement subsequently verified that Spencer, age 37, and his spouse Monique Tepe, age 39, had both perished inside their Weinland Park residence. Spencer sustained multiple gunshot injuries, based on police activity logs reviewed by The Dispatch.

Emergency services documentation also mentioned a “41A” designation, which departments use when documenting theft-related incidents. Authorities stated early findings don’t point toward a murder-suicide scenario but have withheld additional specifics. Through December 31, 2025, Columbus police hadn’t responded to The Dispatch’s additional inquiries.

While investigators began reconstructing the timeline, focus shifted to understanding the lives cut short.

Background on the Couple

According to his professional biography, Spencer practiced dentistry at the Athens location of the dental practice. His educational background included dual undergraduate degrees in Spanish and biology from The Ohio State University, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery credential earned in 2017 from the same institution.

“When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Tepe can be found on the golf course, exploring new destinations, or spending quality time with his loved ones,” his professional summary reportedly noted. The dental practice shuttered operations Friday to honor his memory.

What Authorities Have Dismissed

Though numerous aspects remain unclear, law enforcement has clarified several important elements. Reporting by WKYC indicates investigators have eliminated murder-suicide as a possibility, haven’t identified any suspects publicly, and are pursuing this as a double homicide investigation. Officials haven’t verified whether theft occurred or disclosed how entry to the property might have been gained.

The New York Post reported that detectives suspect surveillance equipment installed on a utility pole near Fourth Street and East Eighth Avenue—mere yards from the property—may have recorded the perpetrator. Their reporting suggested no evidence of break-in was present, and whoever was responsible left rapidly. Police haven’t officially acknowledged this footage.

Local Residents Express Shock

As information became public, those living nearby struggled to process the violence that occurred in their midst. Area residents told The Dispatch the neighborhood generally remains peaceful.

Andrew Pla, whose home shares a property line, said he was elsewhere when the incident happened and expressed feeling disturbed after learning the details.

Ethan Garcia, who resides directly opposite, mentioned frequently noticing Monique heading to work during morning hours and called the situation deeply troubling.

Loved Ones Mourn as Investigation Continues

Those with the closest connections to Spencer and Monique moved quickly from disbelief to profound sorrow. A relative expressed feeling overwhelmed with shock, fury, and heartbreak while detectives pursue leads. Rob Misleh shared:

“Their warmth was undeniable. Their Columbus home became the gathering place for everyone. Constant hospitality, constant joy—just exceptional human beings. As parents, they were phenomenal, and their children are precious. Now our entire community will obviously rally to help nurture these young ones.”

Audrey (Tepe) Mackie, a family member, established a GoFundMe campaign describing the pair as deeply community-oriented and dedicated to their parenting.

Mark Valrose, who owns Athens Dental Depot, added, “Our entire staff and the countless patients he served throughout the years will profoundly miss him.”

Unverified Claims Emerge Online

As the case developed, speculation appeared on social media. An X account alleged that someone conducted internet searches for Monique’s name approximately half a day before the fatal incident.

Authorities haven’t addressed this assertion or indicated whether it holds investigative value. In the days following the tragedy, critical questions persist: who gained access to the home, what motivated this violence, and whether the children present might provide useful information to investigators.

Currently, police maintain the investigation remains ongoing, while a community processes the abrupt loss of two individuals—and the troubling silence around exactly what transpired.

What started as a coworker’s concern, an unexplained absence, and unanswered phone calls has evolved into something far more haunting. Until additional facts surface, this case is characterized not just by confirmed details, but by unanswered questions and the disturbing reality that such tragedy emerged from what initially appeared merely unusual.