Tragic End in a Place of Joy
Tragic End in a Place of Joy
Just one month shy of their fifth wedding anniversary, Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife Mo'Nique were brutally murdered in their Ohio home—the very spot where they exchanged vows five years earlier. The couple, who shared dreams of a bright future near Columbus, met a heartbreaking end that has stunned their community and left loved ones reeling.
Discovery of the Horror
The nightmare began when Dr. Tepe failed to appear at his dental practice. Concerned coworkers called 911 for a welfare check, leading authorities to the residence. Family friends peering through a window witnessed the horrific scene: the couple shot to death inside. Miraculously, their two young children, both under five, were unharmed and found safe within the home, shielded from the violence that shattered their world.
Ongoing Hunt for Justice
Investigators are piecing together the motive behind this double homicide, treating it as a chilling mystery. As the community mourns the loss of this devoted family, questions swirl about suspects and timelines. The Tepe family's story, once filled with marital bliss, now fuels a desperate search for answers and closure in the face of unthinkable tragedy.
About the People Mentioned
Dr. Spencer Tepe
Dr. Spencer Tepe, D.D.S., was an American dentist specializing in comprehensive dentistry and dental implant therapy.[1] Born around 1989, he graduated from Mason High School in 2007 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a double major in Spanish from The Ohio State University, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery from its College of Dentistry in 2017.[1][2] After graduation, Tepe invested hundreds of hours in continuing education, focusing on high-quality patient care and building meaningful relationships.[1] He initially worked at Stone Creek Dental in Ashland, Ohio, before transferring to Athens Dental Depot in Columbus, where he was employed at the time of his death.[2] Colleagues, including practice owner Dr. Mark Valrose, praised his dedication, noting he would be deeply missed by his team and patients.[2] Tepe was passionate about delivering comfortable experiences in dental implant therapy and enjoyed golf, travel, and family time outside work.[1] He married Monique Tepe nearly five years prior to 2026, and they were parents to two children and a Goldendoodle, sharing a home filled with warmth in Columbus's Weinland Park neighborhood.[2] Family described them as extraordinary people whose lives centered on love, joy, and deep connections.[2] On December 30, 2025, Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were found shot to death in their home; Columbus Police are investigating the murders and seeking digital evidence of suspicious activity.[2] Valrose reported Tepe's absence from work, prompting the initial police contact.[2] The tragedy shocked family and friends, with tributes highlighting the couple's happiness and Monique's joyful warmth.[2]
Mo'Nique
Mo'Nique, born Monique Angela Imes on December 11, 1967, in Woodlawn, Maryland, is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and talk-show host recognized for her bold, bawdy humor and dramatic performances.[1][2][3] The youngest of four children to an engineer mother and drug counselor father, she began her career after her brother encouraged her to perform stand-up in Baltimore, receiving a standing ovation that propelled her forward.[3][4][5] She attended Morgan State University and the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland before quitting a phone company job to pursue entertainment full-time.[3][5][7] Mo'Nique rose to fame starring as single mother Nikki Parker on the UPN sitcom *The Parkers* (1999–2004), earning four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005).[2][3][5] She hosted NBC's *Showtime at the Apollo* for three seasons starting in 2002, becoming the first woman to do so, and headlined the 2001 stand-up tour and film *The Queens of Comedy*, which garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album.[2][5] Transitioning to drama, she debuted in *Shadowboxer* (2005) and voiced a role in *Farce of the Penguins* (2006).[1] Her breakthrough came with the role of abusive mother Mary Lee Johnston in *Precious* (2009), winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, along with a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and over 30 others, including Sundance's Special Jury Prize.[1][2][3][4][6] She hosted *The Mo'Nique Show* on BET (2009–2011), *Mo’Nique’s F.A.T. Chance* (2005–2007), and produced the 2015 film *Interwoven*.[1][2] Notable later roles include Ma Rainey in HBO's *Bessie* (2015), earning a Primetime Emmy nomination, and Claire Rousseau in *Blackbird* (2019).[1][2] She released the Netflix special *My Name Is Mo’Nique* and hosted *Mo’Nique & Friends: Live from Atlanta* (2020).[1][3] A mother of three—son Shalon from her first marriage (1997–2001) and twins with husband Sidney Hicks (married 2006)—Mo'Nique authored *Skinny Women Are Evil* (2003) and *Skinny Cooks Can’t Be Trusted* (2006).[1][7] She remains active in comedy tours and continues challenging body image norms through her unfiltered voice.[2][5]
