ARREST MADE - EX-HUSBAND OH - Spencer and Monique Tepe found shot to death at home 2 children unharmed, Columbus, 30 December 2025

[wibbleflea]

The fact that there has been no press conferences is strange, but may also be because they have more info they can’t share yet.

When the police are quiet, I never know whether it’s because they have very little to go on or they’re well on their way to solving it. With the number of cameras in this area, I wasn’t expecting their first main release to be the POI footage we’ve seen. It’s presumably a significant choice but I still don’t know what to make of it.

I also wish we knew whether that bedroom door was locked and if so, whether it was locked from the inside.

 

[armchairagatha]

I understand what you’re saying. I too initially thought it was her, but after listening a couple of times, thought it sounded like a latino female. I’ve seen others post the same opinion.

I don’t feel it will impact the investigation one way or the other.

Monique was half Latino as per multiple posts on Reddit. So if this was not her, it could have been a close relative.

 

[ttjo]

I listened to that show last night and someone claimed he was an OSU wrestler. Why is that claim going around?

I thought they said he wasn’t an OSU wrestler?

In Ohio if LE believes a resident in a private home is in need of immediate protection or medical treatment, and is in harm's way, they can gain immediate access to the home. 4th amendment does not apply in emergency situations. In fact the responsibility goes the other way. They are obligated to assist and cannot say they were unable to access the home because of a fence or locked door.

Do they not need some sign that they are in need of immediate protection( exigency) if so what did they see or hear that gave them that, no sign of forced entry, ( at the time the first officer arrived)

 

[academyrd]

1. In Columbus, some young professionals like the idea of being near an active urban area which is walkable and near amenities. Also living near the OSU campus is an attractive option for some.

2. Columbus is a bit unusual in that there is not a large dividing line between safe and unsafe areas of town. It is often a neighborhood by neighborhood situation and even sometimes street by street.

3. ST is said to work in a practice north of town and in Athens. So the home location was a convenient midway location.

4. I cannot comment on the BIL as I am not yet clear what is going on there.

Regarding the BIL. I do think people need to give him a bit of break. Is he using this for personal gain and potentially a way to further advance his own career (i.e. making a film about this down the road), possibly? But there is a lot of distance between that and being the perp. Just imagine being in his shoes if he did it.. he is accepting every single media request that comes his way... if you had something to hide would you do that? Imagine the stress that would come with trying to hide that secret and also talking to the media so much and having the world dissect every word you say.

I think it's far more likely he has been tasked with being the family spokesperson, and he's doing the best job he can while making mistakes along the way and saying the wrong thing. He's made mistakes divulging info and commenting on the POI video. But how many of us would be perfect in that role? He was thrown into this. I do think some of his actions can be explained by the fact that he probably does sense some opportunity here for his future aspirations as a film maker or whatever, which is kind of gross, but also just human instinct for some people. JMO

 

[Izzylizzy]

I think they were more so referring to the public perception of it/reason why they may not have wanted the wedding video shared on social media

The poster referred to Covid as a possible reason.
There were regulations still in effect in their location on Jan.30, 2021 but it appears that home gatherings weren't being restricted.

 

[Justice101]

If someone was banging at the door, they would check their ring camera and not answer it. There is no way he would answer it- especially after 2:00 am.
I’m still leaning towards that it’s someone they know that have access to their codes. I’m also still leaning towards the police know more than they can tell us just yet. They may be on to something and are gathering details.
The fact that there has been no press conferences is strange, but may also be because they have more info they can’t share yet. They are being tight lipped for a reason. Im hoping I am right about this…

I think the total police silence indicates they are closing in. yeh, send more video in and make tips.. but no urgent request for anything specific.

Although this may just be wishful thinking. 80% sure it isn't.

 

[Hailyourself423]

This would be highly unlikely. If someone bangs at your door in the middle of the night are you answering it? I am not. I'm calling 911 if they don't stop immediately when I go downstairs.

I lived in this area, a couple of blocks north in a side by side duplex but located next to the back area of a bar. One night my then fiancé and I were awoken to someone trying to get into our apartment. I reacted by running downstairs, seeing this clearly intoxicated man trying to open our door with all of his might, and I started pushing back and yelling at him to GET THE FK OUT OF HERE. He finally realized he was at the wrong house and stumbled away. Everyone reacts differently. Our neighbors never came to check what was going on/mentioned they heard anything and our walls were paper thin either, the area is a very “mind your own business and I’ll mind mine”

ETA: this was summertime likely 2/2 and a half years ago.

 

[Cassie P]

I feel so bad for the victims and their families.

I have 3 theories:
1. Someone they have financial entanglements with, like a business partner or gambling buddy
2. An irate patient
3. Former/Current love interest

I thought they said he wasn’t an OSU wrestler?

Do they not need some sign that they are in need of immediate protection( exigency) if so what did they see or hear that gave them that, no sign of forced entry, ( at the time the first officer arrived)

Didn't someone call 911 and report they saw a body on the floor?

 

[Orbweaver]

How might this be relevant to the case?

The only thing I can think of is that it tells us they didn't have a lot of cash on hand. I guess it does prove that no one would kill this couple for their estate?

I agree, it doesn’t seem relevant. Even with a lot of cash on hand, if you have a 3% interest rate it can be better to put down the minimum and let your cash sit somewhere that can accrue interest itself.

 

[Cassie P]

I feel so bad for the victims and their families.

I have 3 theories:
1. Someone they have financial entanglements with, like a business partner or gambling buddy
2. An irate patient
3. Former/Current love interest

I don't understand the dynamics of the financial motive for the murders in this case.

If ST owed someone a large sum of money, how is killing him going to repay the debt? He is at the beginning of his earning power and is worth much more alive than dead. And if someone was leaning on him for money, he could have obtained a personal or bank loan to pay off the debt?

Also if ST is the target, why kill the wife, the mother of two young children. Why not get ST alone when he is on the road where he is for many hours of the day going to and from work out of town?

 

[tlcya]

after having heard the four total 911 calls placed that morning about the Spencers I found the dispatcher to be very dismissive and bordering on downright rude. Others may disagree but that is my opinion. That woman could use some more training JMO

 

[BryanHall]

I agree, it doesn’t seem relevant. Even with a lot of cash on hand, if you have a 3% interest rate it can be better to put down the minimum and let your cash sit somewhere that can accrue interest itself.

In that case, you would probably want to get to 20% of the original price to prevent having to pay for mortgage insurance. That tells me that they weren't flush with available cash. Relevant, I don't think so.

 

[Sadi]

Question remains, did the suspect get any material benefits or just satisfaction (e.g. revenge) from the murders? Did they choose the day so the children could be found quickly?

I keep thinking that Spencer was the target only, but maybe Monique witnessed what happened and had to be taken too. Maybe a debt? Love interest in Monique (known by her or not). I have nothing to prove anything about my theory. MOO

 

[Izzylizzy]

When the police are quiet, I never know whether it’s because they have very little to go on or they’re well on their way to solving it. With the number of cameras in this area, I wasn’t expecting their first main release to be the POI footage we’ve seen. It’s presumably a significant choice but I still don’t know what to make of it.

I also wish we knew whether that bedroom door was locked and if so, whether it was locked from the inside.

I question it too because the area is overrun with security cameras and releasing the snip footage of the man walking to me makes no sense because LE has to have all of his actions recorded, where he entered the area, what he did while there and when he exited the area.
I gather that before releasing the footage LE would have canvased the area showing neighbors much if the footage they have obtained to see if anyone could identify him?

 

[indicolite22]

I don't understand the dynamics of the financial motive for the murders in this case.

If ST owed someone a large sum of money, how is killing him going to repay the debt? He is at the beginning of his earning power and is worth much more alive than dead. And if someone was leaning on him for money, he could have obtained a personal or bank loan to pay off the debt?

Also if ST is the target, why kill the wife, the mother of two young children. Why not get ST alone when he is on the road where he is for many hours of the day going to and from work out of town?

What if someone owed a large sum to ST?

 

[ttjo]

Didn't someone call 911 and report they saw a body on the floor?

Yes, but that was after the first officer left. I dont know if they were following up on it or if they closed it after ( hope not)
I am not sure he had the right to do any more than he did at the time,
There is confusion about where they were found. ( up or down) If down,, I wondered if the officer didn’t look in all of the windows?? If up , how were they seen? did they have a ladder? Or break in? He mentioned he didnt know if he should break in? So if he did, shouldn’t there be signs of forced entry,? And if he had the code, why say “ I don’t know if I should break in? Or was the door unlocked, who knows ? that’s the problem.

 

[tlcya]

Yes, but that was after the first officer left. I dont know if they were following up on it or if they closed it after?? I am not sure he had the right to do any more than he did at the time, but I’m in a whole other country so maybe not familiar with how it works there.
There is confusion about where they were found. ( up or down) If down,, I wondered if the officer didn’t look in all of the windows?? If up , how were they seen? did they have a ladder? Or break in? He mentioned he didnt know if he should break in? So if he did, shouldn’t there be signs of forced entry,?

My understanding is that one of the couple's friends, after hearing a child crying but being unable to rouse anyone to answer the door, jumped/climbed the back fence to gain access to the rear of the house, looked into a window and saw Spencer lying motionless on the floor near a bed.

 

[bestill]

I find that after getting married that MT's name wasn't put on the deed puzzling.

I don't. Adding her name to the deed could trigger "a due on sale" clause in his mortgage with the lender. We don't know how that loan is structured. He probably has a very compelling mortgage rate and didn't want to jeopardize that. If they had an estate planner the house could have been left to her in his will. Doctor loans are very appealing because of the terms. All JMO

 

[ttjo]

My understanding is that one of the couple's friends, after hearing crying but being unable to rouse anyone to answer the door, jumped/climbed the back fence to gain access to the rear of the house, looked into a window and saw Spencer lying motionless on the floor near a bed.

That makes the most sense, to me anyway and the officer missed it. If thats what happened , how else can you explain the officer not seeing the body.

 

[academyrd]

My understanding is that one of the couple's friends, after hearing crying but being unable to rouse anyone to answer the door, jumped/climbed the back fence to gain access to the rear of the house, looked into a window and saw Spencer lying motionless on the floor near a bed.

I don't think it has been confirmed the friend looked in the window. I think the 911 call where he said "I can't go any closer" meant he couldn't bear to get closer, as it's too traumatic, scary, etc. and he had to back away. Zero chance you could see through a window upstairs to see blood and the cops said they were found upstairs. So, friend must have gotten in the house someway somehow and went upstairs to find them. Maybe the back door was unlocked since this is where the perp likely came in/out.

He also probably said "There's a body" because he wasn't going to get close enough to find out who's body it was. Maybe ST was laying face down or something.