I am breaking this tonight. Police have released surveillance video of a person of interest in the killings of Spencer and Monique Tepe in Ohio. The community is being asked to watch closely and share tips with investigators. At the center of this are two young children who lost both parents in a single act of violence. The focus now is justice, and care for the children, under the law.
Police release video, community asked to help
Investigators say the person in the video may have key information. They are urging the public to look at the footage and contact the department’s official tip line with any details. No arrests have been announced. No motive has been made public.
Public help can move a case like this. It can also cause harm if it turns into rumor. Police need clear facts, not guesses. Citizens have a right to help. They do not have a right to accuse private people without evidence.
Submit tips through official channels only. Include time, location, and any files. If in danger, call 911.
The children, the law, and immediate care
Two children are now without their parents. When that happens, the law moves quickly. A court can issue an emergency custody order. The goal is to place the children with safe relatives, or in a licensed home, while a full plan is built.
Caseworkers will check a relative’s home and set up a temporary guardianship if needed. Schools and doctors work with the court to keep the children stable. The court will review the plan on a fast timeline. It will look at who can provide daily care, schooling, health care, and a steady home.
Family privacy is protected in these steps. Juvenile records are not open to the public. Agencies will not release the children’s names, their school, or their location. That protects safety and dignity.
What citizens should do now
There is a legal line between civic help and interference. Here is how to stay on the right side of that line:
- Share tips only with the police tip line or a known Crime Stoppers partner.
- Preserve evidence. Do not alter photos or video. Note the time and place.
- Do not approach people you think you recognize. Let police make contact.
- Do not share images of the children. Do not share their location.
Do not post names or images of private individuals as suspects. You could harm the case and risk legal action.
Government duties and policy gaps
The state has clear duties when children are orphaned by crime. Victim services should offer counseling, funeral help, and guidance on claims. A guardian can apply for crime victim compensation to cover counseling and urgent needs. Schools should offer trauma support and keep routines steady.
Courts will handle both custody and the parents’ estate. A temporary guardian may need quick orders to access insurance, pay the mortgage, and keep the children in their home if safe. Judges can require that any funds be held in a restricted account for the children’s benefit.
Relatives who step in may qualify for kinship support. That can include a monthly stipend, help with legal fees for guardianship, and access to health coverage for the children. Employers should be ready to grant leave to new caregivers who must attend court, meet caseworkers, and set up care. This is where policy gaps show. Many families face sudden costs. Access to fast legal aid and bridge funds makes the difference between stability and crisis.
Minors have a right to privacy. Media and the public should avoid sharing names, faces, or locations of the children.
Protecting privacy, avoiding harm
Public records laws are not a free pass to expose children. Agencies must redact identifying details. If you file a request, do not ask for the children’s location or school. Online harassment, contact with family members without consent, or attempts to track the children can trigger criminal penalties. It can also violate protective orders that may be put in place.
Speculation can also lead to civil liability. False claims can be defamation. Publishing private facts about a child can be an invasion of privacy. The safest choice is the lawful one. Share tips with police. Share compassion with the family. Share nothing that risks the children’s safety.
This is a hard story. It is also a civic test. Justice needs facts. The children need quiet care. Police have asked for your eyes on the video and your voice on the tip line. Honor the family’s privacy. Help lawfully. Let the system do its work, and let these children have the shield they deserve. ⚖️
