Columbus Ohio dentist murder: 911 call months earlier surfaces as police hunt person of interest in Weinland Park homicide
Columbus authorities are investigating the Dec. 30, 2025 slayings of dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, found shot in their Weinland Park home; their two young children were unharmed, and police are seeking a person of interest.
- Double homicide: Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death Dec. 30, 2025; children aged 4 and 1 were unharmed.
- Person of interest: Police released grainy alley surveillance and are asking residents for video and tips.
- No forced entry or weapon found: Investigators do not believe it was a murder‑suicide and continue forensic and witness work.
- Earlier 911 call noted: Records show an April 15, 2025 pre‑dawn domestic dispute call from the home being reviewed by detectives.
911 call months earlier
Publicly released dispatch logs show a pre‑dawn 911 call from the Tepe residence on April 15, 2025, during which an unidentified woman reported a “domestic dispute,” saying, “me and my man got into it,” and crying. That caller hung up, then called back and later canceled a police response.
Police have not named the caller and have not publicly linked the April call to the Dec. 30 killings, but investigators included the entry among records they are reviewing as they build timelines and search for patterns.
(Source: Fox News)
Discovery of the bodies and early scene details
Officers were summoned about 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 after Spencer’s employer, Mark Valrose of Athens Dental Depot, raised alarm when Spencer missed work and could not be reached. A welfare check reportedly revealed bodies inside, and officers confirmed both victims had apparent gunshot wounds.
Detectives estimated the killings occurred between roughly 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the second floor. Investigators reported no obvious forced entry and did not locate a firearm at the scene; they said they do not believe the case is a murder‑suicide.
(Sources: Fox News, Columbus Police video)
Investigative leads: person of interest video and neighborhood canvass
In early January, Columbus police released grainy surveillance showing a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the Tepe home during the likely window. The figure appeared to wear a dark hooded coat and light pants and walked with hands in pockets.
Police have asked residents to check surveillance, doorbell and dash‑cam footage from midnight to 9 a.m. on Dec. 30 across a broad area that includes Summit Street, Northwood Avenue, East 7th Avenue and East 11th Avenue. Investigators said tips are coming in but no arrests have been made.
(Sources: Fox News, 6abc, Columbus Police video)
How the person of interest video is being used
Police described the released clip as an investigative tool to jog memories and spur residents to check private cameras. Detectives continue to examine traffic and business cameras across nearby blocks and asked anyone who saw suspicious people or vehicles in the hours around the killings to come forward.
Investigators emphasized the value of every photo or video and asked that digital evidence be preserved and submitted through official tip lines.
Family background and community response
Spencer Tepe, an Ohio State University graduate, worked at Athens Dental Depot. Family members called the killings “tragic and senseless,” and relatives confirmed the two young children remain in family care while the community mourns.
“The family is heartbroken beyond words,” family spokesman Rob Misleh said, asking for privacy as investigators work.
(Sources: Fox News, 6abc, Columbus Police video)
Police procedure and outstanding questions
Detectives said they found no signs of forced entry and no weapon recovered at the scene, raising questions about how the perpetrators entered and left. The case remains an active homicide investigation with canvasses, witness interviews and digital evidence collection underway.
Police noted that active investigations can limit information released publicly to avoid compromising leads and forensic work.
What investigators are asking neighbors to do
Authorities asked residents and businesses near Weinland Park to:
- Check and preserve home surveillance, doorbell and dash‑cam footage from midnight–9 a.m. on Dec. 30.
- Look for images of unusual people or vehicles and save originals without altering timestamps.
- Contact investigators with tips or upload footage to official channels.
If you have information or footage, call 614-645-2228 for Columbus police or 614-461-8477 for Central Ohio Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips accepted).
(Source: 6abc)
Context: Weinland Park and neighborhood safety
Weinland Park, a mixed residential area near Ohio State University, has seen demographic change and heightened attention after a high‑profile homicide. Community leaders and residents may call for increased patrols, improved lighting and better camera-sharing agreements to support public safety.
Police are balancing public appeals for help with standard investigative caution to protect evidence and leads.
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
The Columbus case underscores lessons for other cities, including Las Vegas:
- Law enforcement cooperation: Rapid sharing and preservation of camera footage helps investigations—citizen camera networks can be crucial.
- Family safety protocols: Welfare‑check procedures and family support programs matter when caregivers are suddenly unreachable.
- Community policing: Visible patrols, neighborhood watch and better lighting can reassure residents after violent crimes.
- Media coordination: Releasing limited investigative leads must be balanced with protecting evidence and ongoing inquiries.
How to submit tips
Anyone with information about the Weinland Park homicide or the person of interest video should contact Columbus police at 614-645-2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Police ask that residents preserve original footage and not alter files before submitting.
