Eerie surveillance footage shows ‘person of interest’ in killing of Ohio dentist and wife

Eerie surveillance footage has emerged of a hooded figure walking along a snowy alley in the dead of night following the unsolved killing of an Ohio dentist and his wife inside their family home in Columbus.

Police identified the person in the vision as a ‘person’ of interest’ who is now at the center of the investigation into the brutal murder.

The chilling video places the unidentified individual just steps from the house of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, during the narrow window when the couple was gunned down upstairs while their two young children slept.

The footage was released on Monday by the Columbus Police Department who say the video was taken between 2am and 5am on December 30 in an alley next to the Tepe family’s Weinland Park home.

Detectives believe the murders occurred during the same three-hour timespan.

‘Detectives believe the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Tepe occurred sometime between 2:00 and 5:00am on the morning of December 30th in the upstairs of their residence,’ police said in a statement.

‘Recovered video footage shows a person of interest walking in the alley near the Tepe’s residence during that timeframe.’

The brief but unsettling video shows a person dressed in light-colored pants and a dark hooded jacket, head down, hands in pockets, walking calmly through the snowy alley.

Eerie surveillance footage shows a hooded figure walking calmly through a snowy alley near the Tepe home during the time the couple were murdered

Spencer and Monique Tepe were shot to death upstairs while their two young children slept unharmed inside the family home

Police say the individual’s presence during such critical hours now makes them a key focus of the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the person or has additional surveillance footage from the area to come forward.

An anonymous digital portal has been opened for tips, and detectives say they are actively following up on leads.

‘We want to thank the community for the tips we have received,’ the department said. ‘We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident. Detectives are working diligently to solve this case.’

The horrifying discovery came later on the morning of December 30 after Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at his dental practice in Athens, Ohio, and did not respond to repeated calls from colleagues.

Concerned coworkers contacted police, who conducted an initial wellness check at the family’s home but left after receiving no response at the door.

One hour later, coworkers and a friend returned to the residence themselves and immediately sensed something was wrong.

One friend called 911 just before 10am telling the dispatcher that he ‘thought he heard one of [the kids] yelling.’

Police say the chilling video places a ‘person of interest’ steps from the house where the Ohio couple was shot to death

Detectives say there were no signs of forced entry at the family’s Columbus home, pictured

The couple was discovered after coworkers grew alarmed when Spencer failed to show up for work

Another reported seeing Spencer Tepe’s body next to a bed inside the home.

When police entered the residence they found both adults dead.

According to preliminary investigative reports, Spencer Tepe suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Monique Tepe was shot at least once in the chest. Three 9mm shell casings were recovered inside the home.

The couple’s two children, a one-year-old boy and four-year-old girl were found unharmed, along with the family’s goldendoodle dog.

Authorities say no firearm was recovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry. Police have also ruled out a murder-suicide.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office confirmed that both deaths were caused by ‘apparent homicide by gunshot wounds,’ while cautioning that the investigation remains ongoing and additional reports are pending.

Police have not identified a motive and have declined to say whether the killer was known to the victims.

Spencer and Monique Tepe had been married for five years and were described by loved ones as devoted parents who had built a loving family together in Columbus.

Spencer Tepe, a graduate of Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association, worked at Athens Dental Depot

The Tepe family was remembered as devoted parents who built a life ‘rooted in love’

Friends say the couple shared a deeply happy marriage built on laughter, travel, and family life

Police are seen carrying out their investigations following the couple’s killing

‘Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique,’ the family said in a statement.

‘They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others.’

Monique’s brother, Rob Misleh, said the couple shared a ‘beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship.’

‘They loved to travel, to laugh, and to build a life rooted in love,’ he said.

‘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.’

Spencer Tepe, a graduate of Ohio State University and a member of the American Dental Association, worked at Athens Dental Depot. He was said to have been a devoted father and a loyal Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals fan.

Monique, who also attended Ohio State University and had a background in education, was remembered as a ‘loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.’

Meanwhile, the Tepe children have been placed in the care of relatives, and a GoFundMe established to support them has raised more than $155,000.