Family of slain Ohio dentist, wife are ‘heartbroken beyond words’ after couple was shot dead inside home

The devastated family of the Ohio dentist and his wife who were found fatally shot in their home – with their two crying children inside – are “heartbroken beyond words” as they grieve the mysterious killings.

Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique, 39, were remembered by their grief-stricken loved ones as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love” after they were gunned down in their $700,000 Columbus home Tuesday, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

“Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship. They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love,” Monique’s brother, Rob Misleh, said in a statement on behalf of their family.

“They were proud parents of two beautiful children and their beloved Goldendoodle, and they created a home filled with warmth, happiness, and connection. We are heartbroken beyond words,” the family added.

“While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.”

Spencer, who worked at Athens Dental Depot, was found with multiple gunshot wounds following a welfare check, with his wife suffering at least one shot to the chest, according to police records.

The suspect – who left no signs of forced entry – quickly fled and is still at large.

Spencer, a graduate of Ohio State University and member of the American Dental Association, was remembered as a devoted father, loving husband, and friend to anyone who came his way.

“He was intelligent, warm, and endlessly welcoming,” the statement said, per the outlet. 

His family added he was dedicated to helping others, supported his community, and was an avid fan of the Bengals and Buckeyes. 

Monique, who had a background in education, was described as a “loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.”

“She brought care and intention into everything she did … her kindness made people feel instantly at home,” her shattered loved ones said. 

The slain couple were married in 2021 and were just a month away from celebrating their fifth anniversary.

Spencer’s co-workers made the grim discovery when they arrived at the duo’s home and heard their children crying inside after he failed to show up for work, local ABC 6 reported.

Their 1-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter were unharmed in the slaughter, police said.

No firearm was discovered at the scene and there was no sign of forced entry, police said, adding that they don’t believe the deaths were a result of a murder-suicide.

But the suspect may have been captured entering the four-bedroom abode on a police camera posted on a utility pole a few hundred feet from the Tepes’ home, located in normally quiet Weinland Park neighborhood, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The investigation into the double homicide remains ongoing. 

Investigators encouraged anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.