Friends and colleagues of an Ohio dentist and his wife, who were found fatally shot inside their Columbus home, say they remain baffled by the killings, as investigators examine whether a nearby surveillance camera may have captured crucial evidence in the still-unsolved case, as reported by The New York Post.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered dead Tuesday inside their home in the Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus while their young children were inside the residence.
Police have described the case as a double homicide and said the suspect remains at large.
NEW: Ohio police search for suspect after dentist and his wife were found m*rdered at their home
Columbus police responded to the home of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, after a welfare check was requested
Police said Spencer Tepe had multiple gunshot wounds, while… pic.twitter.com/iby3jXdT3h
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) January 2, 2026
Friends of the couple told reporters they have no understanding of who could have targeted the Tepes or why.
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“Monique was a vibrant and loving, caring person and a great mom,” said Nick Wagner, a longtime family friend whose wife was Monique’s close friend during graduate school.
When asked whether the family had any sense of what may have led to the killings, Wagner replied simply, “No,” and declined to comment further.
Investigators believe the suspect entered and exited the home quickly and left behind no obvious signs of forced entry.
According to police records, Spencer Tepe was found with multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique Tepe suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest.
No firearm was recovered at the scene, and police said they do not believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
One of Spencer Tepe’s friends, who went to the home after becoming concerned, told a dispatcher he saw a body inside the residence near a bed. “There is a body inside,” the caller said.
As the investigation continues, attention has turned to a police surveillance camera positioned on a utility pole across the street from the Tepes’ home.
According to reporting by the Columbus Dispatch, the camera sits a few hundred feet away near the intersection of Fourth Street and East Eighth Avenue and may have recorded activity connected to the suspect entering or leaving the property.
The Weinland Park neighborhood is typically quiet, making the killings especially jarring for residents.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the camera was operational at the time of the shooting or whether it captured usable footage.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment regarding the camera and its potential role in the investigation.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through both the local community and the dental practice where Spencer Tepe worked.
Tepe was employed at Athens Dental Depot, which announced it would close temporarily to allow staff to grieve.
“He will be deeply missed by our team and the many patients he cared for over the years,” said Mark Valrose, the owner of the practice.
“Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with their families and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
Valrose said the office would remain closed for the remainder of the week.
Police have not announced any arrests and have urged anyone with information about the killings to come forward.
Investigators continue to canvass the area, review potential surveillance footage, and interview those who may have had contact with the couple in the days leading up to their deaths.
As friends and neighbors search for answers, the possible existence of video evidence has become a central focus in a case that remains largely shrouded in mystery.
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