ATHENS, Ohio — Loved ones are calling for justice after a dentist who worked in Athens and his wife were found shot to death in their Columbus home last week.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were discovered fatally shot on Dec. 30 in the home where they lived with their two young children, ages 1 and 4. The children were found unharmed.
“We’re all still in shock and obviously angry and just trying to piece this together,” said Rob Misleh, Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law. “They were amazing parents. Their kids are beautiful, and a huge community will step in to help raise them.”
Columbus police said officers went to the home for a welfare check after Tepe failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot. A co-worker contacted authorities, saying his absence was highly unusual and that attempts to reach both Tepe and his wife had failed.
During the 911 call, the co-worker said, “We’re very, very concerned because this is very out of character, and we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
Police reported finding three spent 9-millimeter shell casings inside the home. Investigators said there were no signs of forced entry and have not released any information about a possible motive.
Athens Dental Depot released a statement saying Dr. Tepe will be deeply missed by colleagues and patients, and offered condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the tragedy.
Authorities are asking neighbors to review any surveillance or doorbell video recorded between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the morning of the killings.
The deaths have deeply affected the Athens community, where Tepe practiced dentistry.
“To think somebody who worked so close to where I live was brutally murdered like that is awful,” said Athens resident Kimberly Barragan.
The investigation remains ongoing.