Police were called to a residence shortly after 10 a.m. on December 30 to conduct a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adults inside the home suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were later identified as 37-year-old Spencer Tepe and his 39-year-old wife, Monique Tepe. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators reported that no firearms were recovered from the residence and there were no visible signs of forced entry. Two young children—a one-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl—were found inside the home and were not harmed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Concern grew after Spencer Tepe failed to report to work at a dental clinic in Athens and could not be reached by colleagues. One of his coworkers contacted emergency services to report the situation, prompting police to go to the family’s home to check on their welfare. Officers knocked on both the front and back doors several times but received no response.
Later that morning, another concerned coworker placed a second emergency call from outside the residence, telling the dispatcher that children could be heard inside the house. A friend was eventually able to enter the home, where Spencer Tepe was found deceased.
Investigators are asking the public to share any video, photos, or other digital evidence that could help identify suspicious individuals or vehicles in the area around the time of the shooting.
Authorities are especially interested in recordings captured between midnight and 9 a.m. on December 30. The focus area includes the surrounding neighborhood bounded by Summit Street to the east, North Grant Avenue to the west, East 7th Avenue to the south, and East 11th Avenue to the north.
Anyone with relevant footage or information from that time frame is encouraged to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Police said tips can be submitted anonymously as the investigation continues.
In a statement released by their family, Spencer and Monique Tepe were remembered as loving partners and dedicated parents whose lives revolved around service, family, and their community.
The family expressed deep grief over the loss, saying their hearts are broken beyond words. They added that while nothing can undo the tragedy, they are determined to see justice served and to honor Spencer and Monique by safeguarding the future of the children they cherished so deeply.
