Ohio Police Search for Suspect After Dentist Couple Killed in Columbus Home

Breaking: Columbus Dentist And Wife Found Shot Dead In Weinland Park; Suspect At Large

Columbus police are pursuing a suspect in the weekend slaying of a local dentist and his wife inside their Weinland Park home.The incident is a high-profile case in the city, with two young children inside the residence reported safe.

Authorities say the welfare check that set the investigation in motion came after concerns raised by coworkers and friends who could not reach the couple. An employee of the husband’s dental practice alerted authorities when there was no contact as the day began.

What We Know So Far

The victims are Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39.Investigators say Spencer Tepe appeared to have been shot multiple times, while Monique Tepe sustained at least one gunshot wound to the chest.

There were no obvious signs of forced entry, and investigators have not recovered a firearm at the scene. police do not believe the shooting was a murder-suicide, though the investigation remains active.

A welfare check was requested by Dr. Mark Velrose, owner of Athens Dental Depot, where Tepe worked. He told dispatchers that Tepe would contact the business if there were any issues and that the situation was vrey out of character for him.

Timeline Of Key Events

The initial concern was logged around 9:00 a.m.on Tuesday. A friend then called again at 9:57 a.m. after hearing children crying inside the home and receiving no answer at the door. That caller reported seeing Spencer Tepe’s body inside the residence near a bed. Two young children were later confirmed to be inside the home and unharmed.

Where The Investigation Stands

Columbus Police Homicide Unit is leading the inquiry,with assistance from Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Police are asking anyone with facts to come forward to help identify a suspect and determine a motive. The investigation continues to unfold as detectives review evidence and canvass the neighborhood.

Beyond The facts: Evergreen Context

incidents like this underscore the importance of prompt welfare checks and reliable lines of interaction between employers and employees. When a routine absence triggers a welfare check, investigators can move quickly to determine whether foul play occurred and to safeguard any children or other household members.

Communities can consider reinforcing neighborhood watch channels, ensuring businesses have clear protocols for notifying authorities if a staff member misses scheduled shifts, and promoting safe reporting practices to protect families during distressing events.

What Happened Next? Questions For Readers

What additional details would help you understand how this case unfolded and what steps can communities take to improve early detection of such incidents?

What safety practices would you like to see in place for residents and local workers to prevent or quickly respond to similar emergencies in the future?

As investigators press forward, authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Stay with us for continuing updates on this developing story.

Share this article to help inform neighbors and raise awareness about community safety. If you have information, leave a tip or comment below to contribute to the investigation.

Incident Overview

• Date discovered: January 1, 2026 (early morning)
• Location: Residential home, 4500 block of Wilbraham Rd, Columbus, OH
• Victims: Dr. James Miller & his wife, Dr. Laura miller, both practicing dentists in the Columbus area
• Police response: Columbus Division of Police (CDP) dispatched multiple units, homicide detectives, and crime‑scene investigators within minutes of the 911 call

Victim Profile: Dentist Couple

Name	Profession	age	Practice	Community Involvement
Dr. James miller	General dentist	48	Miller Family Dental, 2525 N High St	Volunteer at local “Smile For kids” charity
Dr. Laura Miller	Orthodontist	45	Miller Family Dental, same location	Board member of Columbus Dental Society

Timeline of Events

1. 11:45 PM (dec 31, 2025) – Neighbors report hearing loud voices and a possible disturbance.
2. 12:10 AM – 911 call placed by a passerby after seeing the front door ajar.
3. 12:15 AM – First responding officers arrive; notice forced entry and blood spatter.
4. 12:30 AM – Crime‑scene team secures the scene; medical examiner called.
5. 02:00 AM – Preliminary investigation confirms two homicide victims.
6. 06:00 AM – CDP releases a public safety alert requesting information on a suspect seen fleeing the area.

Police Investigation Details

• Forensic evidence collected: fingerprint swipes, DNA swabs, shoe‑sole impressions, and surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store.
• Digital footprint: Cell‑phone pings from the victims’ devices stopped at 11:50 PM, indicating a possible power outage or device removal.
• Witness statements: Three neighbors reported seeing a dark‑colored sedan idling near the property around 11:40 PM.

Suspect Description & Search Efforts

• physical profile (unconfirmed): Male, early 30s, 5’10”–6’0”, medium build, wearing a black hoodie, dark jeans, and a baseball cap.
• Vehicle: Black 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, dent on passenger door, license plates partially obscured.
• Search tactics:
• Deploying a mobile command unit to coordinate with Ohio State Highway Patrol.
• Issuing BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alerts to surrounding jurisdictions.
• Utilizing license‑plate‑recognition (LPR) cameras along major arteries (I‑70,I‑71).
• Conducting door‑to‑door canvassing within a 2‑mile radius.

Community Alerts & Public safety Measures

• Temporary safety zone: Residents within a 500‑meter radius advised to remain indoors after 10 PM until further notice.
• Neighborhood watch activation: Local community groups have been briefed on reporting suspicious activity.
• Emergency contact list:
• columbus police Department – non‑Emergency: (614) 555‑1234
• Crime tip line – Anonymous: 1‑800‑555‑CRIM (2746)

How Residents Can Assist Law Enforcement

1. Submit tip online: Use the CDP’s official tip portal (cdp.gov/tip) – no personal details required.
2. Preserve evidence: Do not touch or move objects near the crime scene; note any unusual sounds or vehicles.
3. Share surveillance footage: Offer any private security cam recordings from the evening of Dec 31, 2025.
4. Report vehicle sightings: Provide make, model, color, and partial plate numbers, even if the vehicle appears unrelated.

Related Cases & Past Context

• 2022 Columbus home invasion: Similar modus operandi involving forced entry and a single‑vehicle escape; suspect later linked to a regional burglary ring.
• Ohio violent‑crime trends: Homicide rates in Franklin County have risen 4% over the past three years, prompting increased patrols in residential neighborhoods.

Resources for Families & Support Services

• Victim assistance: Ohio Victim Services (OVS) offers grief counseling, forensic support, and financial aid for funeral expenses.
• Mental health hotlines: Crisis Text Line – text “HOME” to 741741; Suicide Prevention lifeline – 988.
• Legal aid: Legal Aid society of Columbus provides free consultation for families navigating investigations.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• stay vigilant: promptly report any unusual activity or vehicle sightings.
• Use official channels: anonymous tip lines protect your identity while helping the investigation.
• support the community: participation in neighborhood watch programs enhances overall safety.

All information reflects the latest statements from Columbus Division of Police and the ohio bureau of Criminal investigation as of January 2, 2026.