Police release surveillance video of ‘person of interest’ in the slaying of Columbus, Ohio couple, Spencer and Monique Tepe, who were found shot dead at their Weinland Park home as cops seek information that may lead to the identity of suspect in mystery case.
Columbus, Ohio authorities have released surveillance video which they believe captured the individual involved in the slaying of a Weinland Park dentist and his wife whose shocking deaths one week later have yet to have led to an arrest.
On Monday evening, Columbus police released security video, which was recorded between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30 showing a ‘person of interest’ walking in an alley next to the Columbus home of Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39.
Who is mystery male adult walking in alley near couple’s Weinland Park home?
The department released the video (see immediately below) in hopes someone in the public might recognize the ‘person of interest’ or share further information that might lead to information about the identity of the person. Without clarifying any potential leads, detectives said they were following up on numerous tips.
In a statement, the Columbus police department said investigators believe the couple were killed on the top floor of their home during that three-hour window, WSYX reported.
The brief video shows what appears to be an adult make walking with their head down in the alley wearing light-colored pants and a hooded dark jacket.
The couple was discovered on Tuesday, December 30, after Dr. Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at his Athens-based dental office.
Columbus, Ohio dentist’s failure to turn up to work leads to macabre discovery at family. home hours later
After calls by Spencer’s coworkers and friends, Spencer and Monique’s bodies were found inside their home just after 10 a.m. Their two young children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed and are now in the care of relatives, along with the family dog.
Authorities say there were no signs of forced entry, no weapons were recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of a robbery. Three 9 mm shell casings were found in the family’s home, a preliminary investigative report shows.
The Tepes were just weeks away from celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary. Family members describe Monique as warm, charming, and strong, while Spencer was known as calm, steady, and kind.
Authorities have not identified a possible motive. The police department previously said it does not believe the killings were a murder-suicide.
Investigators continue to urge the public to come forward with any additional information or surveillance video.
Who may have wanted Weinland Park dentist and wife dead?
Police are specifically asking for video, photographs, or digital evidence from the hours between 2 a.m. until 5 a.m. on December 30, focusing on a wide area surrounding the home, including Summit Street, North Grant Avenue, East 7th Avenue, and East 11th Avenue.
Spencer Tepe worked at a dental practice in Athens, Ohio, where he focused on comprehensive dentistry and implant therapy, according to a company biography.
The Tepe family has described the pair as ‘extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.’
‘Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique,’ the family said in a statement.
A GoFundMe created to support the Tepes’ children has already raised more than $154K Monday evening, as funeral arrangements are currently underway, according to the Tepe family.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
