Brother-in-Law Remembers Dentist and Wife Found Shot to Death Inside Their Home: ‘Never Saw Them Without a Smile’

A grieving brother is honoring the lives of his sister and brother-in-law after the couple was found fatally shot inside their Ohio home.

On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered with apparent gunshot wounds at their residence in Columbus. Their two young children were also inside the home at the time and were not harmed.

Rob Misleh, Monique’s brother, described the couple as kind, welcoming, and full of life in remarks shared on behalf of the family.

“You never saw them without a smile,” Misleh told WLWT5. “They were so warm. Their home in Columbus was where everyone gathered. There were always people around, always laughter. They were just great people.”

The couple was found after Spencer failed to show up for work, prompting concern from a colleague. Dr. Mark Valrose, who worked with Spencer at Athens Dental Depot, called 911 to request a welfare check after being unable to reach him or his wife, according to WSYX.

“He is always on time and would contact us if there were any issues,” Valrose reportedly told dispatchers around 9:03 a.m. “We are very, very concerned. This is completely out of character for him. We also can’t get in touch with his wife, which is even more worrying.”

When Columbus police arrived at the home, they found no signs of forced entry and no firearms inside, according to a police record obtained by WSYX. Investigators said Spencer appeared to have been shot multiple times, while Monique suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities do not believe the case to be a murder-suicide, and no suspect information has been released.

Misleh said the couple devoted their lives to raising their children, whose identities have not been released because of their ages.

“They lived for their kids,” he said. “Spencer loved golf, and Monique loved running, but once the children were born, everything became about them.”

In an earlier statement shared with ABC6, Misleh said the family was “devastated by the tragic and senseless loss” of Spencer and Monique. He described Spencer as intelligent, warm, and deeply committed to serving others, while remembering Monique as a loving, patient, and joyful mother who brought people together. He also noted her talents as an excellent baker and thoughtful planner.

“We are heartbroken beyond words,” Misleh said. “While nothing can undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.”

Authorities 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).