911 call months earlier surfaces as investigators probe Weinland Park shooting that left dentist Spencer Tepe and wife Monique dead
A tragic double homicide in Columbus’ Weinland Park left dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, dead in their home on Dec. 30, 2025; their two young children were found unharmed, while investigators seek a person of interest.
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, and wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30, 2025; source reporting includes Fox News and 6ABC.
- Children safe: Two young children, ages reported as 4 and 1, were inside and unharmed; relatives have taken custody.
- Investigation focus: Police released surveillance of a person of interest and emphasized no sign of forced entry or a weapon; tips to Columbus police (614-645-2228) or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (614-461-8477).
Discovery at the Weinland Park home
On the morning of Dec. 30, Spencer’s employer became concerned after he missed work and could not be reached. Mark Valrose of Athens Dental Depot called 911 when attempts to contact Spencer failed. A friend who arrived for a welfare check reported seeing a body through a window, describing a bloody scene near a bedroom.
Officers entered the home and found Spencer and Monique with apparent gunshot wounds on the second floor. Investigators estimate the deaths occurred between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., and the bodies were discovered around 10 a.m. during the welfare check. No forced entry was observed and no firearm was recovered at the scene.
A prior 911 call raises questions
Records reviewed by reporters show a 911 call from the Tepe residence on April 15, 2025, at about 2:45 a.m. In that call an unidentified woman reported a “domestic dispute,” saying, while crying, “me and my man got into it.” The caller initially hung up, then called back to cancel the response.
Dispatch logs did not identify the caller, and police say it is not yet clear whether the April call is related to the Dec. 30 murders. Investigators are re-examining records and interviewing neighbors for additional context. See reporting from Fox News for details.
Police describe person of interest, expand search
Columbus police released surveillance footage of a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the Tepe home during the estimated time window of the killings. The individual is seen wearing a dark coat (possibly hooded) and light-colored pants, with hands in pockets.
Investigators asked residents to check home security cameras and phone videos for anything recorded between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 in the area bounded by Summit Street, North Pearl Avenue, East 7th and East 11th Avenues. Police noted that tips are being followed up and anyone with information should call tips lines at 614-645-2228 or 614-461-8477.
Police-released footage is available in the file labeled police/released video, which authorities say is central to the probe.
Family, community respond
Friends and relatives described the Tepes as loving parents and active community members. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate and practicing dentist, was remembered as warm, intelligent and devoted. Monique was described as patient, joyful and a devoted mother. The couple married in 2021 and had planned to mark their fifth anniversary in 2026.
“Heartbroken beyond words,” said brother-in-law Rob Misleh, calling the deaths senseless and asking the community to help as investigators continue their work.
What investigators say now
Columbus police emphasize they are not treating the case as a murder‑suicide due to lack of forced entry and absence of a weapon at the scene. Detectives estimate the time of the killings from forensic evidence and witness interviews and continue to pursue leads from tips. No arrests had been reported as of early January 2026.
Authorities asked anyone with video, photos, or information from the early hours of Dec. 30 to contact Columbus police or submit anonymous tips to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. For reporting and updates, see 6ABC and Fox News.
Evidence, timeline and unanswered questions
Investigators say the estimated 2–5 a.m. window is based on forensic work and interviews. Surveillance footage of the person of interest is central to the investigation, but police have not stated whether the individual is a suspect or a witness.
Key unanswered questions include: where the firearm is (if removed), whether an outside attacker was involved, and whether the April 911 call has any connection to the December deaths. Authorities continue canvassing the neighborhood and re‑examining records.
Police outreach and community safety steps
Columbus police urged neighbors to review doorbell and security camera footage and to recall any unusual activity near the home on the early morning of Dec. 30. Investigators are canvassing the area and interviewing residents, and they reminded the public of anonymous tip options through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
If you have information, call Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
Implications for Fresno, California
Local leaders and community groups in Fresno may draw lessons from the Weinland Park case on neighborhood safety, the value of home camera footage, clear tip reporting systems, emergency family services, and trauma‑informed responses for affected children and families.
- Neighborhood vigilance: Encourage neighborhood watch programs and publicize local tip lines.
- Evidence preservation: Promote awareness of preserving doorbell and surveillance footage for investigations.
- Support services: Review procedures for emergency placement and counseling when children lose caregivers suddenly.
Reporting notes and sources
This report draws from law enforcement releases, dispatch logs, and local coverage. Key sources include Fox News, 6ABC, and the police/released video.
Anyone with information about the Columbus Tepe murder investigation or who recognizes the person of interest in released footage is urged to contact Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
