Apparent Causes of Death Released for Ohio Dentist and Wife
Authorities in Ohio have released new details about the apparent causes of death of a Columbus couple found slain inside their home late last month, though the official coroner’s report remains pending as the homicide investigation continues.
Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead inside their Columbus residence on Dec. 30 after police responded to welfare check calls, according to the Columbus Division of Police. The couple’s young children were discovered inside the home unharmed.
The Office of Coroner Nathaniel R. Overmire at the Franklin County Forensic Science Center confirmed to PEOPLE that the apparent causes of death for both Spencer and Monique Tepe were gunshot wounds. However, an official cause of death has not yet been finalized.
Investigation Still Ongoing
In an incident report, police said both Spencer and Monique were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their deaths are being investigated as homicides.
The coroner’s office said the final determination of cause and manner of death is pending additional information, including toxicology results. While previous reporting by WSYX stated that Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and Monique was shot once in the chest, the coroner’s office declined to confirm those details and referred questions back to Columbus police.
Investigators with the Columbus Division of Police have not publicly commented further.
Welfare Check Led to Discovery
The investigation began after a coworker raised concerns when Spencer failed to show up for work, something described as highly unusual. According to WSYX, the coworker contacted police after being unable to reach either Spencer or Monique.
“We can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing,” Dr. Mark Valrose told police, according to prior reporting.
A friend of Spencer’s also arrived at the home to check on the couple and contacted emergency dispatchers after hearing children crying inside the residence.
“I can hear kids inside, and I think I heard one yell,” the caller told 911, according to dispatch audio. “But we can’t get in.”
Police entered the home and discovered the couple deceased, while their children were found alive and physically unharmed.
Family Remembers the Couple
Following the killings, family members released a statement remembering Spencer and Monique Tepe as devoted parents and compassionate people.
“They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others,” read part of the statement shared with PEOPLE by Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh.
The family said they were “heartbroken beyond words” and added that they are “committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice.”
A GoFundMe has since been launched to support the couple’s two children as the investigation continues.
Police have not announced any suspects or persons of interest in the case.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).