Podcast Summary:

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode Title: Killer on the Loose in Ohio; Couple Murdered in Home With Their Kids Inside
Date: January 4, 2026
Hosts: Amy Robach (A), T.J. Holmes (B)
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

This episode dives into the chilling unsolved double homicide of Spencer and Monique Tepe in Columbus, Ohio. With no suspects, no sign of forced entry, and their two young children left alive in the home with their deceased parents, the case has mystified both the local community and law enforcement. Amy and T.J. guide listeners through the timeline, known facts, community reaction, and discuss the broader implications and mysteries of the case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Crime and the Immediate Mystery (00:15 - 03:06)

• The Crime Scene: Married couple Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot dead in their own home the day before New Year's Eve. Their 1- and 4-year-old children were alive but left inside with their parents' bodies for hours.
  • “Their one and four year old children were trapped inside, alive with their dead parents. And with that, welcome to this episode...” – T.J. (00:23)
• Police Statement: Columbus police quickly confirmed this was a double homicide—not a murder-suicide—citing the absence of a firearm and no forced entry.
  • "Police were very quick to say this was not a murder suicide, that this was in fact a double homicide... There was no firearm found inside that home. And also of note and mystery, there was no forced entry." – Amy (01:03)
• No Obvious Motive: The couple are described as “as American as apple pie”—a beloved community dentist and stay-at-home mom—leaving no clear reason anyone would want them dead.
  • "This wasn't some... couple who was into something dangerous... This was as American as apple pie. And that makes it all the scarier." – Amy (02:31)

2. Discovery and Initial Response (03:06 - 04:26)

• How the Bodies Were Found: Concern grew when Spencer missed work and calls went unanswered. Colleagues attempted a welfare check after police initially left upon receiving no response at the door.
  • “He rings the doorbell. No one answers, so he leaves. But then 30 minutes later, Tepe's colleagues decide to drive to the house themselves...” – Amy (03:28)
• Chilling 911 Calls: Multiple 911 calls reported hearing children inside and, eventually, seeing a body.
  • "I can hear kids inside. And I swear I think I heard one yell, but we can't get in... And then there's another 911 call... And he appears dead." – Amy (03:54)
• Crime Scene Details: No sign of forced entry, no firearm found, and, notably, no shell casings. The house was otherwise undisturbed.
  • "No sign of forced entry. Peculiar part? There's no firearm around... no shell casings were found either." – T.J. (04:26)

3. Community Fear and Speculation (05:31 - 07:46)

• Community Reaction: The case has left the neighborhood terrified, with little information from police.
  • "You have every right to be concerned. And because the police haven't been speaking a lot, there are rumors everywhere, people are speculating." – Amy (07:03)
• Theories and Frustration: Lack of forced entry suggests the victims likely knew their killer, though nothing is conclusive.
  • "No gun being found, no forced entry suggest they let the person in. Was it someone they knew? Was it somebody that possibly rang the doorbell and forced their way?" – T.J. (07:46)

4. Police Strategies & Technology (08:50 - 11:20)

• Surveillance & Crowdsourcing: Police request all neighborhood security and doorbell cam footage—now a standard investigative tool.
  • "Police are going out of their way... They're asking for that once again." – T.J. (09:15)
  • "Anyone with any sort of security camera on that street... they need to go and do that exact type of police work." – Amy (09:19)
• QR Code for Evidence Submission: Columbus police introduced a QR code system, making it easy for the public to submit digital footage and tips.
  • "QR codes. I did not realize and this is just brilliant... just use that and you can upload your footage right to them." – T.J. (10:57)
  • "That is remarkable." – Amy (11:20)

5. Possible Motives & Rarity of the Crime (09:19 - 10:57)

• Two Main Theories:
  • A random stranger entered unprovoked.
  • The couple was specifically targeted by someone they knew.
  • “Either this was just a stranger at the door who decided to kill the parents... or they were targeted by someone who knew them. And it's really one of those two.” – Amy (09:54)
• Unusual Nature: Random killings like this are extremely rare, so police likely focus on personal connections.
  • “It's like so extremely rare. They... don’t even know if they have a statistic for it.” – Amy (10:31)

6. Remembering the Victims (11:21 - 13:01)

• Family Statement: The couple had a “beautiful, strong and deeply happy relationship,” devoted to family, travel, and community. Their relatives are “heartbroken beyond words” and are caring for the two surviving young children.
  • "They shared a beautiful, strong and deeply happy relationship, bonded by a love of travel, laughter and a mission to build a life rooted in love. We are heartbroken beyond words." – Amy (12:08)
  • "They say that they are now in the care of relatives." – Amy (12:21)
• Impact on Children: Uncertainty remains regarding what the children saw or heard, and their future is now shaped by this trauma.
  • "Who knows what they saw, what they heard, what they remember, and what life will look like for them going forward..." – T.J. (12:37)
• Reminder of Humanity: There’s an emotional focus on the victims as people, with their wedding photo recirculating online.
  • "You'll see this picture. It's their wedding photo from exactly almost five years ago..." – Amy (13:01)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "This wasn't some... couple who was into something dangerous or had a certain lifestyle. This was as American as apple pie. And that makes it all the scarier." – Amy (02:31)
• "It's not possible to clean up a scene after you've already died." – Amy (05:31)
• "If you make it easy. Okay, I'll go look at my ring cam and... they might find something that's actually exciting to know. You're helping in the investigation and yeah, all it takes is a QR code. That is remarkable." – Amy (11:21)
• "We are heartbroken beyond words... they are now in the care of relatives." – Amy (12:21)

Important Timestamps

• 00:15 – Breaking news: Double homicide in Columbus, Ohio, children left alive
• 01:03 – Confirmation of double homicide, not murder-suicide; no signs of forced entry
• 03:28 – Welfare check and 911 calls from concerned colleagues
• 04:26 – Discovery of the undisturbed crime scene: no weapon, no shells
• 07:03 – Community anxiety rises due to lack of information and police updates
• 09:19 – Police ask for security camera footage from public
• 10:57 – Introduction of QR code for public to submit evidence
• 12:08 – Family statement about the victims and care for children
• 13:01 – Reflection on the victims’ wedding photo and community impact

Tone & Atmosphere

The discussion maintains a somber, empathetic, and investigative tone. Amy and T.J. balance journalistic exploration of the facts with genuine compassion for the victims, their families, and the shaken community. The episode is respectful yet urgent, urging public involvement while highlighting the deep uncertainty and danger still present as the killer(s) remain at large.

For more details or ongoing updates, listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast as the case develops.