The Weinland Park Mystery: Chilling Video Released as Search Intensifies for Killer of Columbus Dentist Murder and Wife
COLUMBUS, OH — It is the kind of tragedy that shakes a community to its core—not just because of the senseless violence, but because of the haunting silence that followed. In the quiet neighborhood of Weinland Park, the start of 2026 has been marred by a crime so calculated and chilling that it has left veteran investigators searching for a motive that makes sense.
Just days into the new year, the Columbus Division of Police has released a “grainy but critical” piece of evidence in the double homicide of Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39. The couple was found shot to death in their home on North 4th Street on the morning of December 30, leaving behind two young children and a trail of questions that have gripped the state of Ohio.
The Midnight Shadow: What the Video Reveals – Columbus Dentist Murder
On Monday, detectives released security footage capturing a “person of interest” walking in an alleyway near the Tepe residence. The timeframe is narrow and haunting: between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM, the exact window when authorities believe the couple was targeted.
The figure in the video is seen wearing light-colored pants and a dark, hooded jacket, walking with hands tucked into their pockets. While the face is obscured by the low light of the alley, police are hoping that a neighbor or a passerby recognizes the gait, the clothing, or the specific movements of the individual. In cases like this, it is often the smallest detail—a certain stride or a familiar jacket—that breaks the case wide open.
“We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident,” a police spokesperson stated during the press briefing. “Detectives are working diligently to solve this case, but we need the community’s eyes.”
A Morning of Growing Dread – Columbus Dentist Murder
The mystery didn’t begin with the video; it began with an empty chair.
Columbus Dentist Murder – Dr. Spencer Tepe was a man of precision—a respected dentist at Athens Dental Depot who was never late. When he failed to show up for work on that Tuesday morning and didn’t answer his phone, his colleagues knew something was wrong. By 9:00 AM, his boss, Dr. Mark Valrose, had placed a frantic call to 911.
“I just don’t know how else to say this, but we’re very, very concerned. This is very out of character,” Valrose told dispatchers in a recording that has since been released to the public.
When officers first arrived for a wellness check at 9:20 AM, the house was silent. They knocked, received no answer, and—following standard protocol when there is no immediate sign of a struggle—eventually left. Columbus Dentist Murder. But the dread among the Tepes’ inner circle only grew. Within the hour, friends and colleagues had gathered outside the home. Through the walls, they could hear the faint, heartbreaking sound of children crying inside.
One friend eventually gained entry and made the discovery no one was prepared for. Spencer’s body was found on the second floor near a bed. Monique was nearby. Both had been shot—Spencer multiple times, and Monique at least once in the chest.
The Unanswered Questions: Why the Tepes?
Perhaps the most haunting detail of the “Columbus Dentist Mystery” is what was not found at the scene.
- No Forced Entry: There were no shattered windows, no kicked-in doors, and no signs of a struggle at the entry points.
- No Weapon: The killer took the firearm with them, leaving only three spent 9mm shell casings behind as a grim calling card.
- The Survivors: The couple’s two children, a 1-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, were found physically unharmed in the home. They had spent hours alone with the bodies of their parents before help arrived.
The lack of forced entry has led many to speculate: Did the Tepes know their killer? Or was this a “soft target” robbery where the perpetrator knew how to bypass security? While early police reports mentioned a “code for robbery,” the precision of the crime—targeting the couple in their upstairs bedroom while leaving the children untouched—has many true-crime followers and local residents fearing a more targeted, personal motive.
Columbus Dentist Murder: A Legacy Cut Short: Who Were Spencer and Monique?
Before they were “victims,” Spencer and Monique were the heartbeat of their neighborhood. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate and avid Bengals fan, was known for his “endlessly welcoming” spirit and his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Monique, a former teacher with a background in childhood education, was a talented baker and a “thoughtful planner” who loved bringing people together.
The couple had married in 2021—in the very same home where their lives were taken—and were just weeks away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. Their family released a statement on Monday: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Spencer and Monique were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love and joy. Our family is committed to seeing this tragedy brought to justice.” Columbus Dentist Murder.
How You Can Help the Investigation of Columbus Dentist Murder
The Columbus Police are looking for any digital evidence—Ring doorbell footage, dashcam video, or photos—from the area bordered by Summit Street, North Grant Avenue, East 7th Avenue, and East 11th Avenue. Specifically, they are looking for anything recorded between midnight and 9:00 AM on December 30.
As of January 6, 2026, no arrests have been made. The person seen in the alleyway remains a “person of interest,” and the “Weinland Park Killer” is still at large.
Anyone with information Columbus Dentist Murder is urged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.
The “DailyNewsEdit” Take
This case is a stark reminder of how quickly a “perfect” life can be shattered. As we continue to follow the investigation into the Tepe murders, we are reminded to hold our loved ones a little closer and stay vigilant in our own communities. We will provide updates as soon as the Columbus Division of Police releases further details on the person of interest.
