Police Seek Suspect After Fatal Shooting of Couple in Columbus Home

Couple Found Fatally Shot in Columbus Residence on Dec. 30

Police in Columbus, Ohio, are investigating the fatal shooting of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, who were found dead in their home on the city's Near East Side on December 30.

According to a statement from the Columbus Division of Police, officers were dispatched just after 10 a.m. on December 30 to conduct a welfare check at the couple's residence. When officers arrived, they located two adults inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Spencer and Monique Tepe, and they were pronounced dead at the scene.

Children Located Uninjured Inside the Home

Police reported that two children, a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, were found inside the home. Both children were uninjured. No weapons were located at the scene, and investigators said there were no signs of forced entry into the residence.

Authorities stated that a coworker of Spencer Tepe initially called 911 after he failed to arrive for work at a dental clinic in Athens and could not be reached. Columbus police then went to the residence and knocked on the front and back doors multiple times, but received no answer. Later that morning, another coworker, who was outside the home, called 911 and reported hearing children inside. A friend subsequently gained access to the house and saw Spencer Tepe's body.

Investigators Request Digital Evidence From Surrounding Area

Investigators are seeking video, photographs, or other digital evidence that might show suspicious people or vehicles in the area around the time of the shooting. Police specified that they are particularly interested in footage from the surrounding neighborhood between midnight and 9 a.m. on December 30.

The defined area of interest for this evidence request is bordered by Summit Street to the east, North Grant Avenue to the west, East 7th Avenue to the south, and East 11th Avenue to the north in Columbus. Police indicated that information related to the case may be provided anonymously.

Family Issues Statement Following Deaths

In a statement released by the family, loved ones said they are committed to seeing the case brought to justice and to protecting the future of the two children. The statement also confirmed that the family is responding to the deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe as a tragedy for those close to them.