Columbus dentist couple murdered in Weinland Park; police release person of interest video as investigation deepens
A Columbus dentist, Spencer Tepe, and his wife, Monique, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home Dec. 30, 2025; their two young children were unharmed. Police released surveillance footage of a person of interest.
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39; deaths ruled apparent gunshot wounds.
- Scene & timing: Weinland Park home; deaths believed between ~2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2025.
- Video released: Grainy alley surveillance shows a lone figure; authorities seek additional camera footage and tips.
- Public appeal: Anyone with images or video from the area between 2–5 a.m. is urged to contact investigators.
Investigation details and timeline
What happened: Columbus police say co-workers reported Spencer Tepe missing when he failed to arrive at his Athens dental office on Dec. 30. A welfare check around 10 a.m. led officers to enter the Weinland Park residence and discover both adults dead of apparent gunshot wounds on the second floor; the couple’s children — a 1‑year‑old boy and a 4‑year‑old girl — were inside and uninjured.
Police estimate the deaths occurred in the early-morning hours, roughly between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.. Investigators have said there were no immediate signs of forced entry, no weapon recovered at the scene, and they do not believe the case was a murder‑suicide.
See local coverage and the released footage: surveillance footage, CBS News report, ABC News account.
Person of interest video and forensic steps
Video released: On Jan. 6, Columbus police circulated grainy surveillance footage of a lone figure walking in an alley near the Tepe home during the estimated time of the killings. The person appears to wear a dark hooded top with the hood up, lighter-colored pants (possibly jeans), and keeps hands in pockets with the head angled down.
Police note the area has a high density of cameras and detectives are canvassing residences and businesses for additional angles. Investigators said they are reviewing footage from more than two dozen cameras in the neighborhood, plus police crime cameras at N. 4th St. and E. 8th Ave.
Watch and share tips about the released alley video: alley surveillance clip. Additional reporting on the video and investigation: CBS News, ABC News.
What records show — and don’t show — about prior calls
Local records and media reporting show no public confirmation of a prior 911 call reporting a domestic dispute at the Tepe address. Police and news outlets have not cited any such 911 report; investigators continue to review records and leads as part of the probe.
Family, neighbors and community reaction
Friends and relatives described the Tepes as devoted parents and active community members. Brother‑in‑law Rob Misleh called the loss “incomprehensible,” saying it has “permanently changed” the family. A family statement said they are heartbroken and committed to seeking justice for the children.
“They were beautiful souls and wonderful parents,” a family member said.
Neighbors were shocked that such violence occurred in Weinland Park, an area with strong community presence and heavy camera coverage — a factor police say could help identify additional footage or witnesses.
Law enforcement perspective and next steps
Investigators’ approach: Detectives are following multiple leads, examining forensic evidence from the scene, and reviewing neighborhood footage and witness interviews. With no weapon recovered and no clear forced entry, detectives are reconstructing timelines and movement patterns to understand how an assailant might have entered and left the home.
Police continue to urge anyone who was in Weinland Park between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30 to check doorbell, security cameras, dashcams and phones for footage — especially near Summit St., N. Grant Ave., E. 7th Ave. and E. 11th Ave.
How to help / Contact information
If you have video, photos, or information from Dec. 30 between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. in the Summit St., N. Grant Ave., E. 7th Ave. and E. 11th Ave. corridors, contact Columbus police at 614‑645‑2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614‑461‑8477 (anonymous tips accepted). For context and reporting, see CBS News and ABC News.
Context and community safety concerns
The Weinland Park double murder and the released person‑of‑interest footage raise questions about neighborhood safety, surveillance coverage and rapid evidence preservation. For communities nationwide, the case underscores how timely cooperation between residents and law enforcement can be decisive.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
- Public safety coordination: Review police-neighborhood communication channels and camera-network cooperation to speed investigations.
- Family resources: Ensure local trauma counseling, child-welfare and emergency support plans are accessible to families in crisis.
- Surveillance readiness: Encourage voluntary camera registries and public education about preserving footage and sharing it with law enforcement.
- Fiscal focus: Consider targeted, efficient public-safety investments — community policing and evidence-preservation outreach — that respect fiscal constraints.
- Practical steps: Residents should confirm doorbell/security cameras retain footage for several days and ensure caregiver emergency and relocation plans are current.
Sources
Original reporting and released footage: surveillance clip; news coverage: CBS News, ABC News.
If you have information related to the Weinland Park double murder or the person of interest video, contact Columbus police at 614‑645‑2228 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614‑461‑8477.
