Police in Columbus, Ohio, are searching for a suspect who killed a dentist and his wife during an apparent home invasion.
Columbus Police Patrol officers responded to the couple’s residence Spencer Tepe i Monique Tepe on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 30, after requesting a welfare check, according to an incident report seen by ABC News.
When officers arrived, Spencer, 37, and Monique, 39, were found with apparent gunshot wounds. Paramedics attended to help the pair, while police confirmed they were pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Spencer was hit multiple times and Monique had at least one gunshot wound to the chest, they said WSYX.
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Police were unable to find any obvious signs of forced entry into the home, while no firearms were found. WSYX reported that authorities are not treating the deaths as a murder-suicide at this time.
Additionally, the incident report revealed that two young children were also found at the residence and were unharmed following the incident.
The welfare check was requested after Spencer failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot. The homeowner called 911 and told dispatchers that Spener was always on time for work.
“I’m on vacation, but this individual, Spencer, works with me and he didn’t show up for work this morning. And we can’t find him or his family,” Spencer’s boss said. Dr. Mark Walrosehe said during the 911 call, according to audio reviewed by ABC News. “He’s been reliable and we can’t get in touch with him, his wife, his family, anyone who lives in this house.”
Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe
Rob MislehValrose initially contacted authorities at 9:03 a.m. and an officer arrived at the home at 9:22 a.m., according to WSYX. The officer got no answer when he knocked on the door and left.
Afterwards, several of Spencer’s co-workers went to the house to check on the couple. A person called police at 9:58 a.m. to report hearing children inside the home and that no one would answer the door, according to ABC News. The same person called 911 again to report seeing Spencer’s body inside the home.
“There’s a body inside,” the friend told dispatchers, according to WSYX. “Our friend wasn’t answering his phone. We just did a welfare check. We just got here and he looks dead.”
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Police ask that anyone with information contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
The Columbus Police Department did not immediately respond Us Weeklythe request for comments.
After Spencer and Monique’s deaths, Valrose issued a statement on behalf of her business. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe,” Valrose said in the statement provided to WSYX. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We appreciate the community’s thoughts and prayers.”