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By Jasmine Laws
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Police have released footage of a "person of interest" walking near the home of Spencer and Monique Tepe, who were found dead in their Ohio home on December 30.
The Columbus Division of Police wrote on Facebook: "Detectives believe the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Tepe occurred sometime between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on the morning of December 30th in the upstairs of their residence. Recovered video footage shows a person of interest walking in the alley near the Tepe’s [sic] residence during that time frame.
"We have received and are continuing to receive numerous tips from the community, which our detectives are following up on. If you have information that could lead to the identity of the person in this video, please call 614-645-2228 or use the QR code provided. Anonymous tips may also be made to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477."
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Newsweek has contacted Columbus Division of Police outside of regular working hours via email for any additional updates.
Why It Matters
Columbus patrol officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of North 4th Street for a well-being check at 10:04 a.m. last Tuesday. Officers found Spencer and Monique Tepe suffering gunshot wounds at the scene, and medical personnel pronounced them dead at 10:11 a.m.
Records indicate that Spencer Tepe was shot multiple times, while Monique Tepe suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest, according to ABC 6. The Tepes' two small children were also found at the property unharmed.
The couple married in 2021 and were one month away from reaching their fifth anniversary, according to report by news outlet WSYX.
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What To Know
The short clip of footage shared by the police shows a person walking in an alley wearing lighter colored trousers and a darker jacket with the hood pulled up over their head.
The person walks with their head down, and the footage shows the person walking in different clipped segments.
The Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit previously asked that "anyone who may have video, photographs, or other digital evidence related to this incident, including suspicious individuals or vehicles, from 12/30/2025, between 12 am to 9 am, in the area bordered by Summit St. (East Boundary) to N. Grant Ave. (West Boundary) and E. 7th Ave. (South Boundary) to E. 11th Ave. (North Boundary) use the attached QR code to upload that evidence to assist with the investigation."
They added that the submission "may remain anonymous, and no account is required."
The police said that there were no clear signs of forced entry at the scene, and also that no firearm was found at the Tepes' home, according to ABC 6.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a user who said they are the cousin of the couple, Audrey (Tepe) Mackie. The page was set up to help support the Tepes' children.
"Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique Tepe. They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others," Mackie wrote on the GoFundMe page.
"The abrupt loss of Spencer and Monique has changed daily life in ways that are still unfolding. This fund exists to help provide stability and care for their children and the immediate family members who are supporting them during this time," Mackie added.
The page has generated more than $150,000 since it was started.
What People Are Saying
Columbus Division of Police wrote on their Facebook page: "We want to thank the community for the tips we have received. We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident."
Audrey (Tepe) Mackie, a GoFundMe user who said they are a cousin of the Tepes, wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to support the couple's children: "Their presence was as big as their hearts! Monique’s charm and infectious smile lit up every room. She was warm with a strength that inspired everyone around her. Spencer was the soul of every gathering—grand in personality, yet calm, steady, and kind. Together, they were truly remarkable inside and out. They were a solid pair with a bright future. They were the proud parents of two beautiful children, and every day they showed up with unwavering love and devotion to their family."
Mackie added: "The outpouring of love has meant more than words can express. Thank you for helping support the children as the family, together, takes each day one step at a time."
What Happens Next
The Columbus Division of Police said that detectives are "working diligently to solve this case. We will continue to update you as the investigation progresses."
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