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Upper Arlington Mourns Monique Spencer Tepe

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/04/upper-arlington-mourns-monique-spencer-tepe.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 15:39 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A somber mood blanketed Upper Arlington on Sunday evening as hundreds of residents gathered for a vigil honoring Monique Spencer Tepe, the wife of prominent local dentist Dr. Eric Tepe. The vigil, held at Northstar Park, served as a poignant display of community solidarity and grief following the tragic death of Ms. Tepe, who was found deceased in her home on January 6th.

The park was filled with those who knew Monique, those who admired her from afar, and neighbors deeply affected by the unfolding tragedy. Attendees shared heartfelt memories, offering comfort to Dr. Tepe and each other. Many spoke of Monique's warmth, her infectious energy, and her unwavering kindness - a common refrain painting a portrait of a beloved member of the community.

While details surrounding Monique's death remain scarce, the Columbus Police Department has officially classified the case as a homicide. Detectives are meticulously investigating the circumstances, but have remained tight-lipped about specifics, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Investigators confirmed Dr. Tepe is fully cooperating with law enforcement, though he has maintained a public silence since the discovery of his wife's death.

"It's difficult to process," said Sarah Miller, a neighbor and family friend who attended the vigil. "Monique always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She volunteered at the local food bank and was incredibly involved in the school's PTA. She genuinely cared about making this a better place. To think that someone would take that away... it's just devastating."

The lack of publicly available information has fueled speculation within the community, but police have urged residents to refrain from conjecture and allow the investigation to proceed without interference. Several local news outlets have reported an increase in tips received by the Columbus Police Department's tip line, but authorities have not confirmed whether any of these leads are considered significant.

Dr. Tepe's dental practice, Tepe Family Dentistry, released a brief statement acknowledging the loss and requesting privacy for the doctor and his family during this incredibly difficult time. The practice confirmed that Dr. Tepe is currently taking time to grieve and is not seeing patients. A temporary closure notice has been posted on the practice's website and social media channels.

This tragedy has sent ripples through the normally quiet suburban neighborhood. Upper Arlington is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Ohio, making the homicide particularly shocking to residents. The close-knit community is struggling to come to terms with the loss and the realization that such violence can occur even in their seemingly idyllic surroundings.

Beyond the immediate grief, the incident has sparked conversations about safety and security within the community. Several residents have voiced concerns about potential vulnerabilities and are calling for increased neighborhood watch programs and improved communication with law enforcement. A community meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss these concerns and explore potential solutions.

Meanwhile, friends and family have established a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to Dr. Tepe during his time of need. The campaign has already garnered significant support, demonstrating the widespread affection for Monique and the community's desire to help.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on bringing justice for Monique Spencer Tepe and providing answers to a community grappling with loss and uncertainty. The Columbus Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the case to contact them immediately. The investigation is active and ongoing, and authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth.