Spencer Tepe Obituary, Death – The Columbus, Ohio community is grappling with shock and grief following the tragic deaths of Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, who were found shot to death inside their home on the morning of December 30, 2025. The devastating discovery has left family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors searching for answers as investigators continue to pursue leads in what authorities have classified as an apparent double homicide.
According to the Columbus Police Department, the fatal shootings are believed to have occurred between approximately 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on December 30. Officers were initially dispatched to the Tepe residence for a welfare check after Dr. Tepe failed to report to work, an unusual absence that raised concern among colleagues. When officers first arrived, there was no response at the door.
Later that morning, friends and coworkers came to the home to check on the family. Upon arrival, they reportedly heard the couple’s young children crying inside and observed what appeared to be a body within the residence. Police were immediately notified, and officers entered the home, where they found Dr. Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe deceased from gunshot wounds.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has ruled both deaths as homicides. Investigators have confirmed that the couple’s two children, ages 1 and 4, were found physically unharmed inside the home. Authorities have stated there were no signs of forced entry, and no firearm was recovered at the scene, further complicating the investigation.
As of early January 2026, police have not identified any suspects, and the motive behind the killings remains unclear. However, investigators continue to examine potential leads. On January 5, 2026, law enforcement released surveillance footage showing a “person of interest” walking through a nearby alley around the time the murders are believed to have occurred. Police have urged the public to review the footage and report any information that may help identify the individual.
Authorities have also reviewed prior emergency calls connected to the residence. These include a domestic dispute report from April 2025, which family members and police later clarified was related to a disagreement involving a party guest, not the couple themselves. Additionally, a neighbor reported aggressive door banging at the Tepe home on December 19, 2025, an incident now being reexamined in light of the murders.
Dr. Spencer Tepe was a graduate of The Ohio State University and was widely respected for his professional achievements and involvement in community organizations. Friends and colleagues have described him as dedicated, compassionate, and deeply committed to both his work and his family. Monique Tepe is remembered as a loving mother and supportive partner whose presence touched many lives.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the couple’s surviving children, ensuring their care and future needs. As the investigation continues, the Columbus community remains united in mourning while hoping for justice and clarity in this heartbreaking case.