Prior 911 domestic-dispute call emerges as Columbus police probe fatal Weinland Park shooting of dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife
Columbus police are probing the Dec. 30, 2025, slayings of dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique in Weinland Park. Their two young children were unharmed; investigators released surveillance footage and noted a prior April 911 domestic-dispute call.
Key takeaways
- Double homicide: Spencer, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot to death on Dec. 30, 2025; their two children (ages 4 and 1) were unharmed.
- Prior 911 call: A crying caller from the home reported a “domestic dispute” on April 15, 2025, then later told dispatchers officers were not needed.
- Surveillance released: Police shared video of a person of interest near the home during the estimated 2–5 a.m. time window and requested public tips.
- Investigation ongoing: No weapon or signs of forced entry were found; detectives do not believe it was a murder-suicide and are canvassing for evidence.
Main details
Key information
Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, a dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead at their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30, 2025. Their two children, ages 4 and 1, were unharmed. (Sources: Fox News, 6abc, Columbus Police video briefing)
Timeline
Police estimate the killings occurred between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30. The bodies were discovered after Spencer missed work and a friend checked the home. (Sources: Fox News, Columbus Police video briefing)
Prior call
Records show an unknown woman called 911 from the Tepe home on April 15, 2025, at 2:45 a.m. The caller, who was crying, said “me and my man got into it,” then hung up and later told dispatchers no officers were needed. The transcript released to media does not identify the caller; police declined to provide more details. (Source: Fox News)
“Investigators are treating the April call as part of their broader review of the couple’s history.”
Discovery of the bodies and scene details
The deaths were discovered after an employer, Mark Valrose of Athens Dental Depot, called 911 around 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 when Spencer did not show for work and could not be reached. A friend checked the Weinland Park home, saw a body through a window and reported Spencer lying near a bed with visible blood. Officers found both Spencer and Monique on the second floor with apparent gunshot wounds; the children were inside and not injured. (Sources: Fox News, Columbus Police video briefing)
Investigators reported no signs of forced entry and no firearm recovered at the scene; because of those factors detectives said they do not believe the case was a murder-suicide. (Sources: Fox News, 6abc)
Surveillance video and person of interest
Columbus police released surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the couple’s home during the 2–5 a.m. window. The individual was described as wearing a dark coat (possibly hooded), a light-colored pair of pants underneath and jeans, with hands in pockets. Authorities asked anyone who recognizes the person or has footage from the area to come forward. (Sources: Fox News, 6abc, Columbus Police video briefing)
Police asked residents and businesses to check cameras, doorbell recordings and dash-cams from midnight to 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 across Summit Street, Northrant Avenue and East 7th–11th Avenues. Detectives said tips were coming in, but as of early January 2026 no suspect had been publicly identified.
Family, friends and community reactions
Family described the Tepes as devoted parents and active community members. Relatives said the couple married in 2021 and had planned to mark their five-year anniversary in January 2026. Brother-in-law Rob Misleh called the killings “senseless” and asked, “what kind of person can take two parents away from such young children?” The children are in the care of family members who have vowed to seek justice. (Sources: Fox News, 6abc)
Weinland Park neighbors described the family as quiet and engaged. Community groups have begun arranging support for the children and relatives and are calling for a thorough investigation. (Source: local reporting and police releases; Columbus Police video briefing)
Investigative steps underway
Detectives canvassed the area and reviewed surveillance from nearby businesses and homes. They are interviewing neighbors, friends and anyone who had recent contact with the couple and are searching for physical evidence and electronic records that could show movement to and from the home. Because no weapon was found at the residence, investigators widened their search area. (Sources: Fox News, 6abc)
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Though the case occurred in Columbus, the investigation highlights lessons for other cities, including Los Angeles:
- Community safety and awareness: The shooting is a reminder that violent acts can occur in quiet neighborhoods; reviewing camera networks and neighborhood-watch practices can aid investigations. (Relevance: Weinland Park shooting)
- Domestic violence reporting and response: The April 911 call underscores the importance of clear follow-up protocols when a caller later declines officers, and may prompt reviews of training and outreach.
- Child welfare and support services: Rapid coordination of trauma counseling, emergency care and legal/financial assistance is critical when children lose caregivers suddenly.
- Information sharing: Police-released video and public tips were central to the Columbus probe; in cities with extensive camera coverage, strengthening secure channels for sharing footage can help while protecting privacy.
How to help or share information
Columbus police asked anyone with video, photos or information from Dec. 30 between midnight and 9 a.m. near Summit Street, Northrant Avenue and East 7th–11th Avenues to come forward. Submit tips to Columbus Police at 614-645-2228 or to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 for anonymous leads. (Source: 6abc)
Sources
- Fox News (reporting on 911 call and discovery)
- 6abc (video and police appeal)
- Columbus Police video briefing
