Going West: True Crime

Episode 571: Monique and Spencer Tepe (Happening Now)
Release Date: January 9, 2026
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman

Overview

This episode covers the recent and ongoing investigation into the murders of Dr. Spencer Tepe, a well-regarded Ohio dentist, and his wife Monique. The couple was found shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio home, with their young children unharmed inside. Daphne and Heath aim to clarify the facts, address rampant speculation, and urge listeners to share information to help bring justice to the Tepe family.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Purpose & Tone

• The hosts emphasize their intent to present only verified facts, counter widespread misinformation and online speculation, and support the grieving families.
• Daphne: “We need to keep talking about it so this killer is caught.” (01:36)
• Heath: “The poor families...are watching just a ton of lies and rumors being spread. So we're going to state the known facts in this case and help put some of those rumors to bed.” (01:55)

2. Background of Spencer and Monique Tepe

Spencer Tepe:

• Born Dec 9, 1988; Ohio native.
• Attended Ohio State University (Bachelor’s in Spanish & Biology) and College of Dentistry (graduated 2017).
• Passionate about Big Brothers Big Sisters; “My favorite thing about being a Big has been how I've become part of his family and he's become part of mine...” – Spencer (06:10)
• Loved sports, golf, and family time.

Monique Sabotersky (Tepe):

• Born Oct 14, 1986; background in early childhood education.
• Loved running, baking, and raising their children.
• “Monique was a loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.” (Family quote, 07:41)

Their Relationship:

• Married in 2021.
• Two children (ages 4 and 1 at the time of the murders).
• Moved into a new house in Wineland Park (Columbus) in 2020.

Addressing Speculation:

• Monique’s previous marriage to “Michael” (2015–2017) has led to unsubstantiated online rumors.
• The hosts clarify there’s no evidence connecting the ex-husband to the crime, and abuse allegations are “lies…absolutely no reports of that.” (10:00-11:04)

3. Timeline and Discovery of the Murders

• December 30, 2025:
  • Spencer didn’t show at Athens Dental Depot, highly unusual for him.
  • Several concerned parties (boss, friends) called 911, noting the couple’s reliability.
  • [13:58] Boss Dr. Mark Valrose: “He is always on time and he would contact us if there was any issues whatsoever…we can't get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.” ([14:13])
  • Police performed a wellness check at 9:22 am, but no one answered the door. Multiple 911 calls followed.
  • Friends arriving at the house heard the children inside, prompting further emergency calls.
  • At approximately 10:04 am, police re-entered the home and found both Spencer and Monique deceased. Children and family dog were unharmed but had been left alone for hours.

Key Fact:

• Both were shot — Spencer multiple times (some reports: four shots), Monique once in the chest.
• No firearm found at the scene, ruling out murder-suicide.

Notable Quote:

• “Police knew it couldn't have been a murder suicide. Meaning somebody entered the home and murdered them both in cold blood early that morning.” – Daphne (17:10)

4. Crime Scene and Neighborhood Details

• The Tepes’ home: modern build, four bedrooms, in the Wineland Park neighborhood (an area with mixed safety reputation).
• The house layout and access are discussed in detail, with speculation on points of entry (front/back, keypad locks, potential auto-lock doors).
• No evidence of forced entry; doors were locked post-murder.

Timestamps:

• [19:29] Detailed discussion of house and possible entry/exit points.

5. Neighborhood Crime

• The area had reports of recent violent incidents:
  • Sept 27, 2025: “people with guns chasing person” four houses down.
  • Nov 5, 2025: “six people fighting pepper spraying each other” next door.
  • Nov 10, 2025: “man armed with gun” two doors down.
  • Dec 10, 2025: “man robbed at gunpoint” two blocks down.
  • Jan 5, 2026: “gunshot heard at Huckleberry House” (homeless youth shelter nearby).

Quote:

• “There absolutely is gun violence in their neighborhood. But was this a random act of gun violence or was there a personal motive?” – Te (36:21)

6. Evidence and Investigation Updates

6.1. Person of Interest Video

• Police released security footage (Jan 5) of a potential person of interest:
  • Video caught between 2-5 am on an alleyway camera behind the Tepes’ home.
  • Figure in dark coat, hood up, face covered, walking casually.
  • Mixed opinions: suspicion (covering face), but “could be somebody walking home drunk from a bar” – Rob, Spencer’s brother-in-law (38:52).
  • Hosts mention the importance of sharing the video in hopes someone self-identifies.

6.2. Home Security Gaps

• Despite modern homes and apparent ring doorbell usage, there’s little direct surveillance of the front — possibly due to battery failure or lack of footage at the right time.
• Debate about neighboring homes’ cameras vs. just lights (42:07).

6.3. April 2025 911 Call Clarification

• Reports surfaced that Monique called 911 re: domestic dispute from the Tepe house on April 15, 2025 at 2:45 am.
• Transcript played, but Tepe family asserts: “that is not Monique’s voice…probably a neighbor. It’s so obviously not Monique’s voice. It’s not them.” – Rob (47:23)
• Hosts stress the damage of inaccurate headlines: “People like really run with that stuff and that narrative is so dangerous to the investig[ation].” – Daphne (49:10)

6.4. Press Conference and Police Updates (50:38)

• Columbus police chief confirms ongoing review of video, tips from community, and continuous canvassing.
• No suspects identified as of air date; appeal for patience and for anyone with information to come forward.
• Officers investigating every tip; “We leave no stone unturned…There’s only so much we can share at this point.” – Columbus Chief (51:13)

7. Community Response and Family Statements

• Outpouring of grief and shock from family, friends, dental practice, and local community.
• Family emphasizes both Spencer’s and Monique’s generosity, community commitment, and deep love for their children. (30:00, Family Statement)

Notable quote:

• “We are heartbroken beyond words. While no outcome can ever undo their loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply.” ([33:00])

• The family’s children are now living with and being raised by relatives.

8. Key Unanswered Questions and Theories

• Motive behind killings remains elusive: random violence vs. personal connection?
• Who was the person caught on surveillance at 2–5 am in alley?
• How did the perpetrator enter/exit the locked home?
• Did the killer approach from the back or front, and did security cameras fail to capture more due to positioning or malfunction?
• Was this connected to neighborhood crime or an isolated event?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On internet rumors and misinformation:

  • “Some people are using the criminal history of a different Michael blank and attaching it to Monique's ex husband. But her ex husband does not have a known criminal record. So just putting that one out there.” – Daphne (11:04)

• On armchair detectives and web sleuths:

  • “Of course people want to find connections…They want to solve it themselves.” – Te (11:50)

• Family’s heartbreak:

  • “Together, Spencer and Monique shared a beautiful, strong and deeply happy relationship…We are heartbroken beyond words.” (30:00)

• On public participation:

  • “Please, if you have any information about the murders of Monique and Spencer Tepe, please call the Columbus police homicide unit at 614-645-4720.” – Daphne (57:00)

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |--------|----------------------------------------------------| | 01:36 | Overview of episode, call for information | | 05:01 | Spencer and Monique’s backgrounds | | 10:00 | Debunking ex-husband speculation | | 13:58 | 911 calls regarding wellness check | | 17:10 | Discovery of bodies, gun details | | 19:29 | House and possible entry discussion | | 34:01 | Detailed local crime reports | | 37:30 | Person of interest video released | | 40:10 | Home security and neighborhood camera discussion | | 46:30 | 911 transcript from April 2025 - debunking rumors | | 50:38 | Police chief press conference | | 57:00 | Call for community help and family statement |

Conclusion

The Tepe double homicide remains unsolved with numerous leads being followed. The podcast episode does a thorough job clarifying facts, debunking rumors, reconstructing the last days of the victims, detailing the crime scene and evidence, and reflecting the grief and confusion still gripping both the family and wider community.

The episode’s tone is empathetic and urgent, repeatedly urging listeners — especially in Ohio — to share information that could bring the Tepe family justice.
“No tip is insignificant…Please, if you know anything, call.” (57:00)

Contact/Tip Line:
Columbus Police Homicide Unit – 614-645-4720

Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Podcast: Going West: True Crime
Episode: 571 – Monique and Spencer Tepe (Happening Now)