UPDATE: A haunting 911 call made months before the tragic deaths of a dentist couple, Spencer and Monique Tepe, has just come to light, heightening the urgency of their unsolved case. The couple’s bodies were discovered on December 30, prompting a manhunt that has yet to yield any arrests. Columbus, Ohio police are now investigating a person of interest captured on surveillance video near the Tepe residence hours before the grim discovery.
In a 911 call dated April 15, a woman can be heard sobbing, claiming she was “ok” after a reported argument with her partner. The operator, sensing distress, inquired about possible violence. Through tears, the woman insisted, “No,” despite confirming to the dispatcher that they had been arguing. This call was classified as a “domestic dispute,” and authorities later stated there was no immediate threat.
Police believe the Tepe couple was killed between 2 AM and 5 AM on December 30, raising questions about their welfare when Spencer failed to arrive at work at Athens Dental Depot. Alarm bells rang when his boss, Mark Valrose, reported that Spencer had not communicated any plans to miss work, an unusual occurrence for the diligent employee.
The first 911 call regarding the Tepe home was made just after 9 AM on December 30, but officers received no response at the door upon arrival at 9:22 AM. A friend later called 911 again, expressing concern as he heard children inside the home. “I can tell he’s obviously not breathing or anything,” he reported after discovering Spencer’s body near his bed, prompting an immediate police response.
The couple’s young children were unharmed, along with their pet dog, but the motive for their deaths remains a mystery. Authorities quickly dismissed the possibility of a murder-suicide. A video released on January 5 shows a figure walking near the Tepe home, and experts believe it could be crucial in the investigation. Former FBI agent Bobby Chacon noted the severe cold that night, suggesting few people would be out at that hour.
However, Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, speculated that the figure could simply be someone returning home from a bar. “It looked suspicious,” he admitted, emphasizing the urgency of identifying this person.
This case continues to develop, and Columbus authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is left in shock, grappling with the tragic loss of the Tepe family.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website at thehotline.org for support.
