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

[katydid23]

Soooo…I haven’t seen anyone bring up this possibility, but given all the circumstances (no signs of forced entry, nothing taken), is it possible that this is really a murder-suicide and police are just working to eliminate the possibility that it isn’t?

Not sure I strongly believe this theory but might explain some things.

There was no gun, reportedly.

I don't think it was a murder/suicide.

I think more likely it was a disgruntled ex of some kind, or a home invasion. There may have been money or jewels that we don't know about yet?

 

[warp3dwing]

As far as I know, no specific locations have been given. IMO the speculation that they were not in the same place comes from the friend only reporting seeing Spencer, and from the idea that the primary bedrooms were upstairs, and one would not be able to look into those windows unless one came prepared with a ladder or a drone. JMO, I own a two story ladder, but I wouldn't load it up just to go check on someone; I'm not going to break into their second floor if I can't get them to answer the door.

Gotcha, thanks. The discovery of Spencer's body is certainly confusing, unless there was literally a ladder sitting loose in the yard, or he slept in the basement on those early workdays so as to not disturb the rest of the family.

And no blinds, no curtains? Perhaps getting up before the sun and having the window facing their own closed yard made them seem superfluous.

If Spencer was killed alone in bed downstairs, I'd be surprised if Monique was found still in bed upstairs.

 

[Cassie P]

It’s possible I missed an update but I believe the reports are that she was shot once and he was shot twice. Two shots vs one doesn’t seem indicative of who was the target IMO. Also don’t know that we’ve seen anything to confirm they weren’t found in the same room. If they were sleeping it’s possible they never even woke up. I’ve never used a firearm, and I get that it depends on the gun, but I assume one could typically squeeze off 3 shots in pretty rapid succession without stopping to reload? Believe the reports stated there were three 9mm shell casings at the scene if that sheds any light.

I agree two shots are different from "multiple shots" as has been stated. And does not give us much information about the intended target. Also three shots does not indicate a high degree of emotionality and chaos.

 

[Serononin]

Ohio police search for suspect after dentist, wife found murdered at home

Ohio authorities are searching for a suspect after a dentist and his wife were found murdered inside their home earlier this week.

abcnews.go.com

According to this article it looks the Tepes had a Goldendoodle, same type of dog as Murphy, Kaylee Goncalves from Idaho’s pup. Murphy was barking like crazy when BK was inside the Idaho house. I wonder if the Tepes’ dog was too. Not to read into it too much (as we learned in Idaho) but always interesting to note whether there was a dog present in the house for a case like this

I know all dogs are different, but my personal experience with doodles is that those guys want to be involved in everything, and if they're shut out of a room where something is happening, they will make their displeasure heard

 

[stmarysmead]

I’ve been trying to find scenarios that fit the little that we THINK we know.

What if someone they knew and cared about…came to the house, distressed, in trouble, or fearful and they not only let that person in…they offered him/her a place to sleep in the downstairs guest room. What if that person brought a gun with them, unbeknownst to the Dentist and his wife.

Suppose S came down early morning (before he got ready for work) to check on this person, and either startled him or an argument ensued. S is shot and falls by the bed. M might have started down at the sound of gunshots and became a victim as well.

The ‘guest’ leaves.

There have certainly been stories on here over he years where caring victims were killed by a disturbed individual that they were truly trying to help.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I’ve been trying to find scenarios that fit the little that we THINK we know.

What if someone they knew and cared about…came to the house, distressed, in trouble, or fearful and they not only let that person in…they offered him/her a place to sleep in the downstairs guest room. What if that person brought a gun with them, unbeknownst to the Dentist and his wife.

Suppose S came down early morning (before he got ready for work) to check on this person, and either startled him or an argument ensued. S is shot and falls by the bed. M might have started down at the sound of gunshots and became a victim as well.

The ‘guest’ leaves.

There have certainly been stories on here over he years where caring victims were killed by a disturbed individual that they were truly trying to help.

If the scenario of a guest.... I just must believe that LE has some knowledge after checking phones and surveilance....
I still feel they need to tell us WHY they only want the public to provide ANYTHING after 12 midnight.
I keep *hoping* they have some images of something before that specific time.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

Certainly could be. In that case the Ring should have captured arrival.

 

[nao]

I know all dogs are different, but my personal experience with doodles is that those guys want to be involved in everything, and if they're shut out of a room where something is happening, they will make their displeasure heard

Moo...working at dog kennels n dog daycare. Doodles do not make staff happy.. basically they are stupid n hyper. Please cut fur over eyes...cause they cannot see. They are really really friendly.. not a guard or protection dog. There are always exceptions of course....moo

 

[Cassie P]

Thank you, wish we could make your post a sticky at the top of every page.

So in your clinic

As a dental professional id like to end for once and for all any speculation that it is strange or unusual in any way for Dr Tepe's employer to react this quickly. Main clinical staff including doctors and hygenists simply do not miss work with no warning . It just doesnt happen. ( If it did youd be fired immediately!) Sure things happen, people get sick or stuck in traffic, but they always call and make other staff aware so patient care can be coordinated appropriately.

The combination of the doctor not showing up, being unreachable, having his housemate (wife) also unreachable, and knowing there are vulnerable children in the home would trigger a wellness check within an hour from any dental clinic ive been part of.

In fact, we called a wellness check for a coworker when she and her housemate were unreachable and she no call/ no showed to work. We were also starting to majorly worry and decided to make the call at about the 1 hour mark about carbon monoxide or something unforseen.

Anyone else who has worked in such a clinic is welcome to chime in. I cant imagine no immediate concern and call for a doctor who simply hasnt shown up and has no reachable emergency contacts. It would be stranger to me if no one had reacted immediately.

I hope this puts this suspicion to bed for people. It simply isnt an issue.

I want to make sure I understand what you are saying as I think it is important to this case.

Are you saying that in dental clinics if an employee is late to work, at the one hour mark you would call 911 in a panicked state and drive an hour and a half to do a wellness check?

I am not disputing your comments. Every profession has a different style and personality.

It is just odd even to those of us who have worked in other kinds of medical clinics and have patients also waiting in a waiting room for clinicians to show up. We might begin to get worried at the three hour mark but we would assume a car accident or family emergency. I am not sure a group of staff would get into a car to drive an hour and a half away. This leaves the clinic even more understaffed and possibly put them in harm's way driving in winter weather, etc.

We might try to call a family member of the employee. The parents or siblings, etc. Most co-workers are aware of family members. Then call the police non emergency line. Someone might stop by the house later that day.

I think most employees would be taken aback if they were one hour late to work for a family emergency and 911 was called and co workers and the boss rushed to their home.

Edit to add: I am not being judgmental, just trying to understand the clinic dynamics as it pertains to this case. As I said, every profession has its idiosyncratic traits.

 

[Sillybilly]

ADMIN NOTE:

I previously asked for a link to the existence of a basement bedroom and I don't believe any link has been provided. It started off as a mere suggestion and is now being stated as fact.

Please stop referring to "the basement bedroom" unless a link is provided or the post will be removed.

Thank you.

ETA: Link provided down thread. Thank you !!

 

[OhioSleuth614]

If the scenario of a guest.... I just must believe that LE has some knowledge after checking phones and surveilance....
I still feel they need to tell us WHY they only want the public to provide ANYTHING after 12 midnight.
I keep *hoping* they have some images of something before that specific time.

They’ve have since narrowed the window to between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m., which makes me think they have video(s) of someone either entering or leaving the house. I’ve mentioned this in a few other posts, but I live in the area it’s hard for me to believe anyone could get in or out of the area without being picked up on at least a few cameras.

 

[Speculaytor]

Agreed. I also speculate that LE believes this was a targeted attack vs a random killer roaming the streets. This thought is just based on the lack of information shared including no screenshot from a video or description for example. MOO I'm very hopeful an arrest will be announced in the next couple of days. Feel so awful for the children.

After years of following true crime, IMHO LE doesn't release much info when they have a bunch of leads to follow and check out. So, they must have a lot to look at and go through. It doesn't mean the evidence or leads they are currently looking at are good, just that they have a lot rn. They will share and release more info to the public when LE runs out of leads and needs more, or when they need help identifying people or things.

 

[NextSprint]

ADMIN NOTE:

I previously asked for a link to the existence of a basement bedroom and I don't believe any link has been provided. It started off as a mere suggestion and is now being stated as fact.

Please stop referring to "the basement bedroom" unless a link is provided or the post will be removed.

Thank you.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1411-S-4th-St-Columbus-OH-43207/121262323_zpid/

 

[nhmemorymaker]

As a dental professional id like to end for once and for all any speculation that it is strange or unusual in any way for Dr Tepe's employer to react this quickly. Main clinical staff including doctors and hygenists simply do not miss work with no warning . It just doesnt happen. ( If it did youd be fired immediately!) Sure things happen, people get sick or stuck in traffic, but they always call and make other staff aware so patient care can be coordinated appropriately.

The combination of the doctor not showing up, being unreachable, having his housemate (wife) also unreachable, and knowing there are vulnerable children in the home would trigger a wellness check within an hour from any dental clinic ive been part of.

In fact, we called a wellness check for a coworker when she and her housemate were unreachable and she no call/ no showed to work. We were also starting to majorly worry and decided to make the call at about the 1 hour mark about carbon monoxide or something unforseen.

Anyone else who has worked in such a clinic is welcome to chime in. I cant imagine no immediate concern and call for a doctor who simply hasnt shown up and has no reachable emergency contacts. It would be stranger to me if no one had reacted immediately.

I hope this puts this suspicion to bed for people. It simply isnt an issue.

Thank you.
All I did, was envision myself in the office my extraorinarily loved dentist and his staff', and I knew there would be no way other than what you have stated. End of discussion.

 

[OhioSleuth614]

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1411-S-4th-St-Columbus-OH-43207/121262323_zpid/

This is correct. My home is essentially the exact same layout and the basement bedroom is photo 29/40 with the egress window.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1411-S-4th-St-Columbus-OH-43207/121262323_zpid/

this is not proof though. I have been in a number of condos of this same exact design--its a pretty common condo/house design in newer urban-y developments. A bonus room like this could just be ....well anything.

 

[Speculaytor]

ADMIN NOTE:

I previously asked for a link to the existence of a basement bedroom and I don't believe any link has been provided. It started off as a mere suggestion and is now being stated as fact.

Please stop referring to "the basement bedroom" unless a link is provided or the post will be removed.

Thank you.

I am only sending this link and pic to prove there is a lower level bedroom. 3 on top floor, and 1 lower level with bathroom. This is the link to the Redfin listing which has the description. I can upload the description. Here is part of it quoted here: "Second floor features three large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and laundry. Lower level features a fourth bedroom, full bath, and large recreation room."

Link to listing so you can see it is the same house:

https://www.redfin.com/OH/Columbus/1411-N-4th-St-43201/home/75719986

And I have attached two screenshots of the Redfin Listing below so you can also verify. It is a 3 level home. Main level with kitchen, living room, then second level with 3 bedrooms, lower level with 1 bed and bath.

Please delete this post if it is unacceptable, I am only trying to help the moderators verify information. I know there is so much being posted. Hope this helps. I apologize if someone beat me to it.

 

[Speculaytor]

this is not proof though. I have been in a number of condos of this same exact design--its a pretty common condo/house design in newer urban-y developments. A bonus room like this could just be ....well anything.

I just posted a link with pics from Redfin with a description that actually says it has a lower level bed and bath with rec room.

 

[LittleSeaTree]

I had an infected tooth that needed to be extracted it was the single most painful moment of my life. I’m talking I almost went insane, I had bad thoughts I never experienced before I honestly just wanted it to end and at that moment did not care how. 2 minutes after the tooth was out and the pain stopped I was fine. But man did a dental issue cause the only moment in my life I really felt like I had no control. I say that as someone with funds to fix it, a network of dentists thanks to a unique connection and no addiction issues.
Just MOO but being denied dental care (even if it was legitimate) could push someone to absolutely crazy limits.

Same, this happened to me right after Kate Spade died by suicide. A lovely practice took me in even though I was not their patient. I did have to wait quite a few hours, and Kate’s details were running through my very weary brain almost the whole time. As soon as it was out, like you said-fine. New lease on life…But that pain is like nothing I’d ever experienced.

 

[Ghostwheel]

IMO, it is important to note that this is called a 2 story house, but it has a basement. So three floors, but called a two story. When I lived back East, a basement was not considered a "story" because it could just be an unfinished space. This one was finished, though.