Ohio Dentist and Wife Killings: Police Release New Footage of Person of Interest in Brutal Slayings

The Columbus Division of Police has released surveillance footage showing a person of interest connected to the December killings of Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe.

Officers responding to a welfare check at the couple’s Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30 discovered both victims inside the residence with gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

In a news release issued Monday, Jan. 5, investigators said the couple was killed upstairs in their home between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Dec. 30. Detectives also shared video footage showing a person of interest walking through an alley near the home during that time window.

The individual is seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and lighter-colored pants, with hands in their pockets. Their face is not visible in the footage.

Authorities said they are continuing to actively investigate the case and acknowledged the public’s concern. Police confirmed they have already received tips from the community and encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. Tips can be provided by calling 614-645-2228, and anonymous information may be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

Concern for the couple was raised when Spencer, a dentist, failed to show up for work on the morning of Dec. 30. Co-workers and a friend went to the residence after he did not arrive as expected.

Dr. Mark Valrose, who owns the dental practice where Spencer worked, told dispatchers that it was highly unusual for him to miss work without notice, according to WSYX. When repeated calls to Monique also went unanswered, concern escalated.

While waiting outside the home, Spencer’s friend told a 911 dispatcher that they could hear children crying inside but were unable to gain entry, CNN reported.

The couple’s two young children, whose ages have not been publicly disclosed, were later found inside the home and were not physically harmed.

Family members have since created a GoFundMe campaign to support the children, raising more than $150,000.