Police in Ohio say they’ve received several tips about a person of interest as investigators work to solve the killings of Columbus dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe.
The couple were killed inside their Columbus home in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, launching an investigation that is now in its second week.
Authorities have released only limited details so far, but they did share surveillance footage that shows someone they’ve described as a “person of interest” walking past the couple’s home around the time of the killings.
This week, investigators suggested there has been progress as they continue reviewing tips and analyzing what police described as “tons and tons of evidence.”
Columbus police told local outlet ABC 6 that they’ve received numerous tips about the person of interest, explaining at a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 8, that information has come in through email, social media, phone calls, texts, and in-person reports.
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“We know that people are concerned and we know that people have a lot of questions,” Assistant Chief Gregory Bodker said at the briefing. “What we’re asking for is patience as it relates to this investigation.”
A relative of the couple said it can be frustrating to have so few updates, but that the family understands why investigators may be holding information back while the case unfolds.
“I think the family would like to know more,” said Audrey Mackie, Spencer’s cousin. “But we’re also in the camp of: these are professionals doing their job, and if it’s going to hurt the investigation in any way, then we’d rather it unfold in a way that they are willing to give out information.”
Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were found fatally shot after multiple welfare-check calls were made by Spencer’s friend and co-workers when he didn’t show up for work that morning.
The couple’s children, ages 4 and 1, were found physically unharmed inside the home. A friend who called 911 from outside the residence — while waiting for police to respond to the welfare check — told the dispatcher he could hear the children crying inside.
Police are continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward, even if it seems minor or unrelated.
“Even if you don’t think it’s something that’s relevant in that moment, it may have been something you saw last week,” Police Chief Elaine Bryant said at Thursday’s briefing. “It may have been something that you saw the day before. It could be relevant to this case.”
