Police have released surveillance footage of a person of interest in the unsolved murders of an Ohio dentist and his wife, who were found dead in their home nearly a week ago.
Video shared by the Columbus Police Department on Monday showed a person walking in the alley near the home of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39. The footage, which was captured between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30, showed the individual wearing light-colored pants and a dark jacket with a hood on.
Police said they believe the couple was killed upstairs in their home some time during the three-hour period.
As of Monday evening, detectives were following up on numerous tips and asked anyone who can identify the person in the video to contact them.
“We know there are questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident,” police said. “Detectives are working diligently to solve this case.”
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office said both Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe died from an apparent homicide by gunshot wounds. However, a final determination hasn’t been made, as the coroner’s report, along with autopsy and toxicology reports, haven’t been completed.
Police conducted a welfare check at the couple’s home last Tuesday after worried friends and colleagues called police, concerned that Spencer had not shown up to work and that Monique was not answering phone calls.
NBC News reported the owner of Spencer’s dental practice was heard telling a 911 operator that Spencer is never late for work and always checks in before missing a day.
A second person called 911 about an hour later and said he could hear children but had no way of getting inside the home.
Officers responded and found both Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe deceased. The couple’s two children were unharmed, authorities said.
Investigators located three spent 9-millimeter casings at the scene and have ruled out a murder-suicide in the case.
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