Manhunt underway after dentist, wife killed while their 2 young kids were in home: police

A search is underway after an Ohio dentist and his wife were killed. (Source: CNN, WSYX, WBNS, COLUMBUS POLICE, ROB MISLEH)
Published: Jan. 2, 2026 at 3:56 PM CST|Updated: 13 hours ago

COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNN) - A search is underway for a killer who authorities say gunned down a respected Ohio dentist and his wife in their house.

Authorities said their bodies were found following a welfare check, with the couple’s young children inside the home unharmed.

Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were identified as the couple found dead in the Columbus-area home.

Officers reported finding no obvious signs of forced entry or a gun at the scene. Police said they’re looking into the deaths as a double homicide, not a murder suicide.

The owner of the dental practice where Spencer Tepe worked was one of those who called 911 after the dentist uncharacteristically missed work on Tuesday morning.

Police have not released any details about a possible suspect or motive and are asking the public for any information on the case.

“Given the fact that this doesn’t happen often, and there were no signs of forced entry/burglary, you’re going to look at people who they may have known or people who knew where they lived,’ Juliette Kayyem, CNN senior national security analyst, said.

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