Ohio Dentist and Wife Found Dead Inside Home, 2 Young Children Unharmed in Suspected Murder By Latoya Gayle

A dentist and his wife are dead after an apparent shooting incident at their Ohio home.

Shortly after 10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Dec. 30, Columbus Police Patrol was dispatched to a property in the 1400 block N. 4th Street in response to a requested welfare check, according to an incident report by Columbus Police.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered two adults with apparent gunshot wounds. Paramedics then declared the pair dead.

They were identified as Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, said police. Two young children were also at the home, but unharmed.

Police found no signs of forced entry and no firearms at the scene. Spencer was shot multiple times, while Monique sustained at least one gunshot wound to the chest, according to a police record obtained by ABC affiliate WSYX.

Investigators believe the incident wasn’t a murder-suicide. No suspect details have been released at this time.

PEOPLE has contacted the Columbus Police for further information amid their ongoing investigation.

Related Stories

Man in N.J. Charged After Allegedly Using Wife’s Official Vehicle to Pose as a Homeland Security Agent

Mom Was Found with Wrists Slit Alongside Her Dead Infant — Now She’s Charged with Murder

Dr. Mark Valrose reportedly called 911 to request a welfare check after Spencer failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot, where he worked as a dentist, WSYX reported.

“He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues,” Valrose allegedly told dispatchers of Spencer at around 9:03 a.m., per the outlet. “I don’t know how else to say this but we are very very concerned. This is very out of character for him. We can’t get in touch with his wife which is probably the more concerning thing.”

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.  

An officer visited the home at around 9:22 a.m. and received no answer. Several coworkers then drove to the couple’s home to check on them.

A friend called the police again at 9:57 a.m. to report hearing children crying inside the house and that no one was coming to the door.

The friend allegedly told dispatchers in another 911 call that they could see Spencer’s body inside the home and “he appears dead,” per the outlet.

Spencer and Monique were reportedly one month away from celebrating their fifth anniversary, having tied the knot at their home in 2021.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Dr. Spencer Tepe,” said Dr. Valrose, per WSYX. “Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We appreciate the community’s thoughts and prayers.”

Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).