This is a developing story, and details of the suspect investigation may be updated as more information becomes available.
Officers discovered a double homicide while responding to a welfare check on N. 4th St. in Columbus Tuesday morning.
The bodies were identified as Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, dead due to gunshot wounds.
The welfare check came from the owner of Athens Dental Depot, Dr. Mark Valrose, where Spencer Tepe worked as a dentist. Valrose told dispatchers he was always on time and was concerned as to why Tepe failed to report to work.
At this time, the suspect has not been found, and investigations are ongoing. Police said there were no signs of forced entry and do not believe the incident was a murder-suicide.
As concern over welfare grew, friends and coworkers drove to the Tepe’s home to check on them. According to a 911 call, a friend heard children crying inside the house but received no answer at the door.
A call a few minutes later reported Spencer Tepe’s body was found inside the home.
Police confirmed two young children were found unharmed in the home.
A memorial outside the Tepe home has recently been growing with sunflowers and roses as media coverage spreads nationwide.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
