Podcast Summary:

Murder Sheet – The Murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe

Released: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Áine Cain (journalist), Kevin Greenlee (attorney)
Case: Spencer & Monique Tepe, Columbus, Ohio

Overview

This episode delves into the tragic and baffling double homicide of Spencer and Monique Tepe, a young couple from Columbus, Ohio, whose seemingly idyllic life was shattered by their murder in late December 2025. The hosts take a measured, fact-based approach to analyzing both the known facts and emerging theories in a case that has taken on national significance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Victim Backgrounds & Circumstances (04:33–11:19)

• Spencer (37), Monique (39): Married in 2021, parents of two young children (ages 1 and 4), and a dog named Larry.
• Spencer: Dentist at Athens Dental Depot, Ohio State alum, loved his family, sports (Bengals and Buckeyes), fluent in Spanish, well-liked, responsible.
• Monique: Background in childhood education, described as warm and intentional, stay-at-home mom dedicated to her children.
• Neighborhood: Wineland Park in Columbus, described as upscale.
• No apparent risk factors or marital strife; the family was seen as a "picture-perfect" household.

“They just seem to have everything going for them. Everything seems great. How can this happen?”
–Áine Cain [06:54]

2. Timeline of Events and Discovery (08:44–12:28, 25:43–39:35)

• Murder believed to have occurred: Between 2am–5am, December 30, 2025, on the second floor of their home while the children slept.

• Discovery:

  • Spencer didn’t show up to work, prompting coworkers to raise alarm—a highly out-of-character move.
  • Multiple wellness calls, increasing urgency and pressure from friends and coworkers, led to eventual discovery.
  • Key 911 call quotes:
    • "We cannot get a hold of him or his family... he's always on time and he would contact us if there were any issues. This is very out of character for him."
      –Dr. Mark Valrose, employer [29:22]
    • “There's a body... he's laying next to his bed, there's blood... I can't get closer to see more than that.”
      –Friend of victim [–39:00]

• Police first attempted welfare check (09:22), found no response but did not force entry, respecting privacy law.

“We don't want police to be able to come and break into people's homes just because someone expresses concern. You need to have some sort of indication that there is an emergency.”
–Kevin Greenlee [30:10]

3. Crime Scene & Details (11:19–15:18, 18:00–23:32)

• Both victims died of gunshot wounds; Spencer shot multiple times; Monique at least once in the chest.
• Spencer found next to the bed (location of Monique less clear).
• No firearm found; no forced entry; no evidence of struggle.
• Children were in the house, but apparently unharmed—possibly slept through the attack.

“Children were left alive... Maybe it was specifically focused on the parents for whatever reason, but it’s too early to say.”
–Áine Cain [21:53]

4. Investigation & Evidence

A. Unidentified Person of Interest in Surveillance Video (22:53–26:10)

• Police released video of a hooded, head-down individual walking in a snowy alley near the Tepe home during the critical time window.
• Figure presents as possibly male but largely indistinct; public encouraged to help identify.
• “If you can recognize a walk... it would be great to just clear that up. If it’s not relevant, it can be eliminated, and if it is relevant, pursued.”
  –Áine Cain [25:30]

B. No Sign of Forced Entry (18:00–22:52)

• Possible explanations: unlocked doors, known/trusted individual, or simple mistake.
• Discussion of rarity but possibility of targeted home invasions when doors are unlocked—“Not every dog is going to be a guard dog.”

C. Public Call for Video & Tips (39:35–42:59)

• Police request any footage (home security, ring cams, etc.) from area: Summit St, North Grant Ave, E. 7th–11th Ave.
• Listeners encouraged to focus on "concrete information" and eyewitness tips, not theories.
• “They need concrete evidence that has to do with this specific crime.”
  –Áine Cain [42:12]

5. Public & Media Reaction (43:01–48:07)

• No official public warning about ongoing threat—standard when suspect/fugitive isn’t explicitly identified.
• Emphasis on avoiding rumor and speculation; hosts recall “Delphi flashbacks” and dangers of misinformation online.
• Family, especially brother-in-law Robert Misla, working hard to correct false rumors and deal with stress of attention.

“If half of the chicken you made was doused in salmonella, would you eat it? … If half of [the info] is bad... don’t go there.”
–Áine Cain [47:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the horror of the children's situation:

“Anyone who is a parent or anyone who just cares about children can imagine the terror and the fear those children must have felt in this situation.”
–Kevin Greenlee [10:46]

On the diligence of community and coworkers:

“I commend these people for, like, no, no, you need to focus on this... This is a problem now.”
–Áine Cain [35:59]

On the limitations of what police can do:

“If we found out the police came to our house and broke in and were prowling around... that would be a pretty significant invasion of privacy.”
–Kevin Greenlee [30:10]

On the harm of speculation:

“As a true crime community, we should not be entertaining people who are doing this. We should be basically correcting them.”
–Áine Cain [42:59]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 04:33–11:19 | Who were Spencer and Monique Tepe? Background and why this is such a shocking case | | 11:19–15:18 | Details of the murder; scene and method | | 18:00–22:52 | No forced entry implications and discussion | | 22:53–26:10 | Person of interest in surveillance video | | 25:43–39:35 | Timeline of discovery and 911 calls | | 39:35–42:59 | Investigative approach and types of tips police need | | 43:01–48:07 | Aftermath: children’s situation, no public threat warning, and importance of factual reporting |

Final Thoughts & Appeals

• The case remains unsolved, with police narrowing the window of the crime and seeking any relevant video/eyewitness input.
• Emphasis on empathy and accuracy in true crime communities; support of families, avoidance of rumors, encouragement of fact-based engagement.
• Listeners in or near Columbus, or with relevant info, are urged to contact the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730.

For Listeners

If you recognize anything in the surveillance footage, or live/know someone in the vicinity of Wineland Park, review police appeals and see show notes for videos/QR codes for submitting information.

If you have case-relevant info (not speculative theories), get in touch with law enforcement, and if you wish to share context with the podcast, email murdersheetmail.com.