The Tepe Murders: The 911 Calls That Raised Early Questions in a Targeted Killing

In December 2025, Columbus dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique Tepe were found shot to death inside their home while their two young children were left unharmed. This episode examines the frantic 911 calls that preceded the discovery, the routine welfare check that led officers to the scene, and why those early moments drew public attention. Welfare checks are among the most common calls handled by 911 centers and almost always resolve without incident, but on rare occasions they become the entry point into a tragic true-crime case. Drawing on real dispatch procedures, I break down how welfare checks actually work, dispel common misunderstandings about what 911 can and cannot do, and separate speculation from fact as investigators zeroed in on a suspect and the case moved forward in the Ohio court system.The Comm Center offers expert insights into true crime and emergency response from seasoned professionals. Drew, a retired law enforcement officer with 29 years of experience as a detective, police supervisor, and 911 center administrator, joins Jon, an active 911 dispatcher with over 10 years in dispatch, plus experience as a corrections supervisor and retail theft prevention officer. Together, they provide trusted analysis and a rare look into real-life law enforcement and dispatch work. Subscribe for in-depth, reliable perspectives from those who know the job firsthand.