(NewsNation) — A neighbor of the Columbus, Ohio, couple found dead inside their home late last month called 911 days before the killings to report someone banging on her door and “trying to get in,” published reports say.
The call to emergency dispatchers was made early Dec. 19, with the female caller saying a person was “smashing on my door.”
Transcripts and records of the exchange indicate “the problem left” at 2:44 a.m., about 15 minutes after the call was placed, Fox News reported.
The potential break-in occurred on the same street where dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique, were discovered fatally shot Dec. 30 after police conducted a well-being check at the couple’s home. Two young children inside, ages 4 and 1, had been left unharmed, as was the family dog.
So far, authorities have not said whether they think there may be a connection with the Dec. 19 call. NewsNation law and justice contributor Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI special agent, notes that the neighborhood has been plagued with gang activity and other crime.
Detectives reportedly believe the couple was slain between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Authorities this week released video of a person of interest seen walking in an alley in the neighborhood.
Interviewing child witnesses a delicate process: Therapist
The couple’s children reportedly are in the care of family members. Presumably, the 4-year-old may be able to tell police something, even if it’s about sounds or voices they heard overnight. But teasing information out of a child witnesses can be a delicate process, family therapist Dr. Rebecca Bailey tells “Banfield.”
For example, specialists are careful not to re-traumatize the child or to ask leading questions, she said.
“The environment where you do the interview is super, super important. You don’t want it done in the police station,” Bailey added.
Another complicating factor: She said if the child knows the person who committed a crime, it can create a “tremendous loyalty bind.”
Killer likely knew slain Ohio couple: Ex-FBI agent
Signs suggest the killer knew Spencer and Monique Tepe, Coffindaffer said. She notes there was no sign of forced entry and the dog seemingly did not bark at the intrusion.
“It really screams, at this point, somebody known to them, somebody who particularly targeted them,” she said.