Columbus Couple Found Fatally Shot; Two Children Unharmed

Officers responding to a report at a residence in Columbus discovered the bodies of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, on December 30, 2025. Authorities said two young children were inside the home at the time and were not physically harmed. Investigators are treating the deaths as a double homicide rather than a murder-suicide and have described key scene observations: no obvious signs of forced entry and no weapon located at the scene.

Family members and relatives have spoken about the couple as warm and devoted parents, leaving neighbors and loved ones grappling with grief and unanswered questions. The couple’s deaths have prompted an appeal from investigators for information that could help piece together what happened. Police asked anyone with relevant details to contact the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit as the inquiry continues.

The combination of no forced entry and no weapon recovered raises investigative priorities that include searching for surveillance footage, interviewing visitors and neighbors, and tracing the victims’ recent contacts and activities. Those lines of inquiry are standard in cases where the circumstances at a scene do not immediately point to how an assailant entered or left. For local residents, that means reviewing home security cameras if available, checking doorbell footage, and preserving any records or digital messages that might be relevant.

Community response has been immediate, with friends and family remembering the Tepes and neighbors expressing concern for the children now facing a sudden loss. The emotional impact extends beyond the immediate circle to anyone living nearby; sudden violent deaths in a neighborhood often trigger heightened anxiety and a renewed focus on safety measures. If you have any information, footage, or observations from the area and time in question, preserve that material and contact the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit.

Investigators continue to work on the case and have not released additional details publicly. For those following developments, expect updates as detectives pursue leads and interview witnesses. The police appeal underscores that community tips can be critical in resolving complex cases and bringing answers to grieving families.