Ohio authorities are searching for a suspect after a dentist and his wife were found murdered inside their Columbus residence earlier this week. Police identified the victims as Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39. According to a police report cited by local media, officers responded to the residence Tuesday morning following a welfare check request after Tepe failed to show up for work. Upon entering, they found the couple with apparent gunshot wounds. Paramedics confirmed their deaths shortly afterward. Victims with gunshot wounds and no signs of forced entry. According to police, Spencer Tepe had multiple gunshot wounds, while Monique Tepe had at least one gunshot wound to the chest. No firearms or obvious signs of forced entry were found in the residence. Authorities indicated that, at this time, they do not believe it to be a murder-suicide. Inside the house, the couple's two young children were also found unharmed.

911 Calls and Initial Delays

A welfare check was requested after the owner of Athens Dental Depot, where Tepe worked, alerted 911 when he was unable to reach him or his family. “He has been reliable and always arrived on time,” the employer said in a call reviewed by ABC News.

Police records indicate that an officer initially went to the residence but received no answer.

Later, someone called 911 again after hearing children inside the house and, later, claiming they could see Spencer Tepe's body inside.

Ongoing Investigation and Appeal to the Community

Columbus police are requesting the community's assistance and asking anyone with videos, photos, or information—including records of suspicious people or vehicles between midnight Tuesday and 9:00 am—to share them with authorities.

Although the existence of a police camera in the vicinity of the home was confirmed, police did not offer further details as it is an ongoing investigation.

Messages of condolence from family and colleagues

The victims' family issued a statement expressing their “devastating loss” and describing the couple as loving and joyful people.They noted that Spencer and Monique were a month away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

Athens Dental Depot also mourned the deaths of their employee and his wife, highlighting the impact Tepe had on both his colleagues and patients.

Authorities urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Columbus Police Department's Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, as the search for the suspect continues.