COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A newly released video from the Columbus Division of Police shows what they described as a person of interest walking near the home of an Ohio couple who were found dead in their house just before the New Year.
Police believe Spencer and Monique Tepe, a married couple in their late 30s, were killed sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30. The video shows a person walking near their Weinland Park home during that timeframe.
The couple had been found dead later that same day, after a co-worker of Spencer’s had called 911 to report that Spencer, a dentist, had not showed up to work as usual.
“He’s been reliable, and we cannot get in touch with him, his wife, his family, anybody that lives in that house,” the caller said, as heard in dispatch audio obtained by NewsNation affiliate WCMH. “He is always on time, and he would contact us if there’s any issues … we’re very, very concerned. And this is very out of character, and we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
Another caller told dispatch officers they could hear kids inside the home. A follow-up call revealed that one of the callers could see a body through the window.
Police and EMS workers arrived to find the couple dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Their two kids, both under 6, were found unharmed and safe.
Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister, told WCMH he felt every emotion all at once when he found out what happened.
“Disbelief and now anger, just sadness, and it’s just — it’s just a wave of emotions that come and go,” Misleh said. “And none of us know when we’re going to break down and whatnot.”
Misleh described Spencer Tepe as the life of the party who always had the biggest smile and was good at everything he did. He said Monique Tepe balanced him perfectly, saying she was sweet and thoughtful, and that they both loved their kids.
Misleh’s message to the community is for anyone with information to share it with law enforcement. He also asked the community to be patient with police and with the family.
“We put our faith in the investigators and let them go to work and do what they do, you know, have confidence in them, and also, just the understanding that these things take a while sometimes. … We can’t just get the results immediately because we want them,” Misleh said. “They’ve got to be done the right way.”
Neighbors also asked for the community to say something.
“It’s time to speak up,” Brikyle Walls said. “You know, these people don’t bother nobody. Like I said, you see them come and go every time. Polite, you know, always was cheerful. When you see them, they smile all the time.”
Police are asking that anyone in the area of Summit Street, North Grant Avenue, East 7th Avenue and East 11th Avenue who may have evidence submit it at this link. Those submitting evidence may remain anonymous and no account is required.