Surveillance released after Weinland Park Columbus shooting: dentist and wife found shot, two children unharmed
Columbus police released surveillance footage after Spencer Tepe, 37, a dentist, and his wife, Monique, 39, were found shot to death in their Weinland Park home Dec. 30, 2025; their two young children were unharmed.
Key takeaways
- Victims: Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were found shot to death on Dec. 30, 2025; their two children, ages 1 and 4, were inside and unharmed.
- Investigation: Police found no signs of forced entry or a weapon and have ruled out murder-suicide; a person of interest appears in released surveillance footage.
- Public assistance requested: Authorities released grainy video and asked residents to share footage from midnight–9 a.m. Dec. 30; tips can be submitted to Columbus police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.
Discovery and initial response
Columbus police responded after a concerned co-worker reported Spencer Tepe missing from work. Mark Valrose of Athens Dental Depot called 911 about 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 after repeated attempts to reach Spencer and Monique failed — behavior authorities described as out of character. (sources: Fox News).
A friend who went to the Weinland Park home that morning reported seeing a body through a window and called police; officers entered and discovered Spencer and Monique with apparent gunshot wounds. Early video reports document the initial response and scene. (sources: early reporting video, Fox News).
Detectives estimate the deaths occurred between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the home’s second floor. Investigators reported no signs of forced entry and did not locate a firearm at the scene; based on those findings they do not believe the incident was a murder-suicide. (sources: 6ABC, Fox News).
Prior 911 call: an earlier domestic dispute
Dispatch records show that on April 15, 2025, a 911 call originated from the Tepe residence reporting a domestic dispute. The caller — an unnamed woman — hung up, then called back to say police were not needed; in the recording she tells dispatchers, “me and my man got into it.” Columbus dispatch logs do not identify the caller, and authorities have not tied that April call directly to the Dec. 30 killings. (source: Fox News).
Person of interest and released video
On Jan. 5, investigators released grainy surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking slowly in an alley near the Tepe home during the likely 2–5 a.m. window. The individual wears a dark coat — possibly hooded — light-colored pants or jeans and appears to have their hands in their pockets. (sources: YouTube, 6ABC).
Police asked the public for any video, photos or tips showing people or vehicles of interest from midnight to 9 a.m. on Dec. 30, with investigators canvassing a wide area that includes Summit Street, North Pearl Avenue, East 7th and East 11th Avenues. Tips are reportedly coming in and detectives say they are following leads. (sources: Fox News, 6ABC).
Family, community reaction and background
Friends and family described Spencer as a devoted father and a warm, welcoming person. He graduated from Ohio State University and worked as a dentist at Athens Dental Depot. Monique was remembered by relatives as joyful and patient; the couple married in 2021 and were reportedly preparing to mark their five-year anniversary the following month. (source: Fox News).
“What kind of person can take two parents away from such young children?” — Brother-in-law Rob Misleh, calling the deaths “tragic and senseless” and vowing to seek justice for the children now in relatives’ care. (source: Fox News).
No arrests reported; motive unknown
As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made and investigators have not established a motive. Detectives continue canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance, interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence. Officials emphasize the case remains active and urged anyone with information to come forward. (sources: 6ABC, Fox News).
Investigative details: what police have said and what remains unclear
- Timing & location: Estimated between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the second floor of the Weinland Park home. (sources: 6ABC, Fox News).
- Entry & weapon: No signs of forced entry; no weapon located at the scene — key factors in ruling out a murder-suicide. (source: YouTube).
- Surveillance: Released footage shows a lone person of interest near an alley by the house; footage is grainy and investigators hope clearer images surface. (sources: YouTube, 6ABC).
- Tips & leads: Authorities say tips are being received and urged anyone with relevant footage or information to contact investigators. (sources: 6ABC).
Weinland Park Columbus shooting: neighborhood concerns
Weinland Park residents — a community of students and families near Ohio State University — said the killings have shaken the neighborhood and prompted calls for increased police presence. The fact that two small children were left unharmed inside the home has intensified community demand for answers and reassurance. (source: local reporting compiled in video coverage: YouTube).
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Although this case occurred in Columbus, it suggests local lessons for San Luis Obispo officials and community groups:
- Public safety & neighborhood vigilance: The release underscores how residential cameras and doorbell recordings can aid investigations; communities should encourage timely sharing of footage.
- Support for families: Rapid coordination between child welfare, nonprofits and faith groups can help place and support children suddenly left without parents.
- Crime reporting & dispatch protocols: The April 911 call raises questions about follow-up when callers decline services; dispatch centers may review triage and callback policies to balance privacy and safety.
- Community policing: Consider revisiting patrol patterns, neighborhood-watch programs and public messaging on how residents can safely provide tips and footage.
- Civic response: Rapid grief counseling resources and volunteer networks can be critical after sudden violent tragedies.
How to help or report tips
Columbus police asked anyone with information to call 614-645-2228. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers can be reached at 614-461-8477 for anonymous tips. Authorities continue to seek any video or photos taken in the Weinland Park area between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30. (source: 6ABC).
Reporting on an active criminal investigation
This article draws on police statements, dispatch records and local coverage. Initial reporting, dispatch details and released footage are available via news accounts and video coverage. Authorities emphasize the investigation remains active and ask anyone with information to come forward. (sources: Fox News, 6ABC, YouTube).
Highlighted detail: Investigators are particularly interested in footage or photos from Summit Street, North Pearl Avenue, East 7th and East 11th Avenues between midnight and 9 a.m. on Dec. 30.
