An Ohio dentist and his wife were found fatally shot inside their Columbus home the day before New Year’s Eve, with their two young children discovered unharmed but crying inside the residence, prompting an active homicide investigation and a search for a suspect, as reported by The New York Post.

Police identified the victims as Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39.

The couple was found Tuesday inside their home in the Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus following a welfare check requested by a family friend and officers with the Columbus Police Department, according to local reporting by ABC 6.

An Ohio dentist and his wife were found shot to death inside their Columbus home the day before New Year’s Eve, while their two children were still inside the house, crying, as police launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, were… pic.twitter.com/IHU4tz0wmC — 🅽🅴🆁🅳🆈, 🅴🆂🆀 (@Nerdy_Addict) January 2, 2026

Spencer Tepe, who worked at the Athens Dental Depot, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Police records indicate Monique Tepe suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest.

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Investigators said there were no obvious signs of forced entry into the home and no firearm was recovered at the scene. Authorities added they do not believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.

The welfare check was initiated after Tepe failed to report to work, which raised concern among colleagues. His employer, Dr. Mark Valrose, told police that Tepe’s absence was unusual.

“He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues,” Valrose told dispatchers. “I don’t know how else to say this but we are very, very concerned. This is very out of character for him.”

Several of Tepe’s co-workers drove to the home Tuesday morning. After hearing children crying inside, they urged authorities to conduct a welfare check.

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Around 10 a.m., one of Tepe’s friends reported seeing a body inside the residence near a bed.

“There is a body inside,” the friend told dispatchers.

“Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a wellness check. We just came here, and he appears dead.”

Officers arrived and confirmed the deaths of both adults. Police said the two young children were found inside the home and were not physically injured.

Investigators have not released details about a suspect or motive and said the case remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.

Family members said the couple had been married in 2021 and were one month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. Monique Tepe’s brother, Rob Misleh, confirmed the timeline in comments to local media.

On Wednesday, a memorial of roses and sunflowers was placed outside the couple’s Weinland Park home as neighbors and friends gathered to pay their respects.

Police said updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

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