The Columbus Police Department released surveillance footage Monday showing a “person of interest” in the still-unsolved murders of an Ohio dentist and his wife, who were found shot to death inside their home late last month, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
The video shows an individual walking through a snowy alley near the Weinland Park residence of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39.
Police Release Video of Person of Interest in Murders of Dentist and His Wife https://t.co/62xWp5G8Ln [2] pic.twitter.com/VqLIlxL8Tc [3]
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 6, 2026 [4]
The footage depicts the person wearing light-colored pants and a dark hooded coat, with their head down and hands in their pockets, moving at a calm pace near the couple’s home on North 4th Street.
Police release video of person of interest in murders of dentist, wife https://t.co/EFjkG0gvsn [5] pic.twitter.com/YpESavnnZ4 [6]
— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) January 6, 2026 [7]
Police said the Tepes were discovered dead on the morning of Dec. 30. Investigators believe the couple was killed [8] sometime between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. inside the upstairs area of their four-bedroom residence.
Authorities confirmed that the couple’s two young children and their goldendoodle dog were found unharmed inside the home.
As the investigation entered its second week, police renewed calls for the public to assist.
Detectives asked residents and businesses in the area to review any security or doorbell camera footage recorded during the three-hour window when the killings are believed to have occurred.
The department also opened an anonymous online portal for evidence submissions.
“We want to thank the community for the tips we have received. We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident,” police said in a statement.
“Detectives are working diligently to solve this case. We will continue to update you as the investigation progresses.”
Authorities urged anyone who recognizes the individual in the surveillance video or has information about their identity to contact police.
Police have released surveillance footage showing a “person of interest” in the still-unsolved killings of a well-known Ohio dentist and his wife, who were shot to death at their home last week.
The video captures an individual wearing light-colored pants and a dark hooded… pic.twitter.com/7xaNqTuo54 [9]
— 🅽🅴🆁🅳🆈, 🅴🆂🆀 (@Nerdy_Addict) January 6, 2026 [10]
According to police records, Spencer Tepe, who worked at Athens Dental Depot, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Monique Tepe was struck at least once in the chest.
Investigators have not released a possible motive and have said there were no signs of forced entry at the residence. Police also confirmed that no firearm was recovered at the scene and determined the deaths were not the result of a murder-suicide.
The couple was discovered after a coworker became concerned when Spencer failed to show up for work.
According to reporting from the Columbus Dispatch, repeated calls to the couple went unanswered, prompting the coworker to contact police.
Officers initially conducted a wellness check but left after receiving no response at the front or back door.
Police returned to the home roughly an hour later after coworkers and at least one friend arrived to check on the family and noticed troubling signs.
Authorities were called again after a coworker and friend heard children inside the house and saw Spencer Tepe’s body near a bed.
Spencer and Monique Tepe had been married for five years and were raising a 1-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. Their children have since been placed in the care of other family members.
Family members described the couple as devoted parents who built a close-knit life in Columbus.
“Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love,” Monique’s brother, Rob Misleh, said in a statement released on behalf of the family.
“They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection. We are heartbroken beyond words.”
Spencer Tepe was a graduate of Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association. He was raised in the Cincinnati area and was known among friends and colleagues as a devoted father and husband.
Monique Tepe also attended Ohio State University and previously worked in education. Family members described her as a “loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”
A GoFundMe campaign established to support the couple’s children has raised more than $146,000.