Two young children unharmed after Columbus couple found dead

According to People, Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead in their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30; their two children, both under the age of 4, were discovered unharmed in the house and are being cared for by immediate family members.

Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer's sister, told CNN the couple had a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. The Office of Franklin County Coroner Nathaniel R. Overmire said the apparent causes of death were gunshot wounds; police reported Spencer had been shot multiple times and Monique at least once in the chest. The Columbus Division of Police said it is investigating the deaths as a double homicide rather than a murder-suicide and on Jan. 5 released footage of a person of interest seen near the home around the estimated time of death between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Dec. 30.

Misleh said family members have been caring for the children, and the couple's cousin launched a GoFundMe to support them that had surpassed $150,000 of a $200,000 goal as of Jan. 6. Police said detectives are working to solve the case and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Key Topics

Culture, Spencer Tepe, Monique Tepe, Columbus Ohio, Franklin County Coroner, Nathaniel R. Overmire