93-Year-Old Fremont Man Charged with Wife's Murder — Details

"I don't believe it. It's very, very hard for me to believe," a shocked neighbor said.

Neighbors on a quiet Fremont street say a couple had always seemed inseparable, their long marriage defined by devotion rather than discord.

So when police activity disrupted the calm over the weekend, disbelief spread quickly among residents who thought they knew the pair well. On Drury Court, one neighbor became emotional while describing the shock of learning what authorities were investigating.

Neighbors Recall a Long Marriage Marked by Devotion and Care

A neighbor, who declined to be identified, told ABC7 News she had known the couple for about four years and described them as deeply devoted to one another.

"It's very shocking. It's very heartbreaking," said the neighbor.

The couple, later identified as Richard Hocking, 93, and his wife Patricia "Pat" Hocking, had been married for 60 years, neighbors said. "They were a very lovely couple made for each other. Richard being a very inspiring gentleman. And pat [sic], being a very good friend," the neighbor added.

What Police Say Happened

Authorities now say that the marriage ended in violence.

According to Fremont police and court records cited by the outlet, Richard has been charged with murder in the shooting death of his 86-year-old wife. Investigators say he surrendered shortly after the incident.

Prosecutors allege that over the weekend, Richard drove his wife to a parking lot in the 5,000 block of Mowry Avenue, just a few miles from their home, where he shot her in the head before calling 911. "PD is en route. They are currently on the line with a subject who stated he shot his wife."

Why Richard Shot His Wife

Police say Richard told detectives he wanted to turn himself in and later provided an explanation for the killing. According to court documents, he said his wife had been struggling with health issues and that killing her was "necessary."

Court documents further state that Richard had been planning the killing for about a month. Several neighbors told reporters that both husband and wife had serious health challenges. Richard, they said, suffers from COPD, while his wife had diabetes and other medical conditions.

"One year or plus, she was almost in chair. Not able to do chores or anything. He was taking care of her completely," said the neighbor. Richard appeared briefly before a judge on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, though his arraignment was postponed until next week. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday.

Remembering Patricia

Meanwhile, community members are preparing to honor Patricia's life. According to information shared on Facebook, a celebration of life is planned for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at noon at The Learning Tree Preschool Community of Christ Church and Hall, located at 400 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont.

The page further reveals that she was a longtime teacher and mentor at The Learning Tree Preschool, where colleagues say she shaped generations of children and families through her warmth, kindness, and commitment to early education.

In the wake of her death, those who knew Patricia say her passing has left a deep void within the school and broader Fremont community. Friends and former colleagues have expressed a desire to gather not only in mourning, but in gratitude for the life she lived and the impact she had on so many.

As the case moves forward, neighbors say they are still struggling to reconcile the image of the devoted couple they knew with the allegations now facing the man at the center of the investigation.

As authorities continue to investigate violent deaths that have shaken communities across the country, another case unfolding in Ohio underscores how quickly ordinary homes can become the center of devastating criminal inquiries.

On the Tuesday morning of December 30, 2025, Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead inside their Weinland Park home. Their deaths left behind two young children and a devastated community. And with no signs of forced entry and no weapon at the scene, police were left with a mystery. Until now.

The Tragic Discovery

Spencer Tepe, 37, a respected dentist at Athens Dental Depot, failed to show up for work that Tuesday. His absence immediately alarmed colleagues and his employer, Dr. Mark Valrose, who said Spencer was always on time and would have called if something were wrong.

At approximately 9:03 a.m., Dr. Valrose reportedly called 911, telling dispatchers that no one could reach Spencer or his wife, Monique, 39.

A police officer arrived at the 1400 block of North 4th Street around 9:22 a.m., but no one answered the door. As concern grew, several of Spencer's coworkers arrived at the house to check for themselves. Still, no answer. But then came another 911 call, as they heard something that changed everything: the sound of children crying from inside.

A Friend's Worst Nightmare

The friend's 911 call at 9:57 a.m. was soon followed by another, as just minutes later, he had made a horrifying discovery: Spencer's body was near a bed. The friend told the 911 operator that there was a body in the home and that Spencer appeared to be dead.

When other officers arrived, they entered the property and confirmed that both Spencer and Monique were dead. Their two young children had been left unharmed.

What Happened to the Tepes?

There was no forced entry and no weapon. But it was clear from the start that the couple had been killed.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds, and officials quickly ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide. The Tepes had been married in that very home in 2021 and were just one month away from celebrating their fifth anniversary.

According to records released on December 31, Spencer had been shot several times, while Monique had been shot at least once in the chest. These details were later confirmed by the Office of Coroner Nathaniel R. Overmire at the Franklin County Forensic Science Center.

The official cause of death has not been made public, pending further examination, including toxicology reports. But investigators made it clear: this was being treated as a double homicide.

But there was a problem. At the time, there were no suspects and no solid leads.

The New Footage

On January 5, 2026, a lead was found.

The Columbus Division of Police released surveillance footage showing a potential person of interest. Investigators believe the couple was murdered between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on December 30.

The clip captures a man walking through a snow-covered alley near the Tepes' home during that timeframe. He is wearing a dark hoodie and white pants, with his back hunched slightly, and his hands tucked inside the front pocket of his hoodie, which appeared bulky.

He walks at a normal pace. Not rushing. Just passing through the residential area, possibly from the cold. The video unfortunately does not show him entering any home.

But the police division hoped that the community could help, as they had already received several tips, which authorities were taking seriously.

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information is encouraged to scan the QR code provided in the footage or call 614-645-2228. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers can also be reached anonymously at 614-461-8477.

A Couple Mourned

Dr. Valrose shared his sorrow publicly, expressing heartbreak over the loss of Spencer and Monique and thanking the community for its support.

Before joining Athens Dental Depot, Spencer had worked at Stonecreek Dental Care in Ashland. He held a bachelor's degree in biology, another in Spanish, and earned his doctorate in dental surgery from Ohio State University.

His family remembered him as a devoted Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals fan, raised in the area and a graduate of Mason Public Schools.

Monique was known for her baking skills, her love for her children, and her deep commitment as a partner. She trained in education and had also attended Ohio State University.

This was her second marriage, having previously been married to another Ohio State alum until their amicable, childless divorce in 2017.

Now, two kids are left without parents. And a city waits for justice. We offer our condolences to all their family and loved ones after this tragedy.

As both investigations continue, communities in California and Ohio are left grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and the stark reminder that violence can unfold behind even the most familiar doors.