COLUMBUS, Ohio — Authorities have arrested the ex-husband of Monique Tepe following the tragic shooting deaths of her and her husband, Spencer Tepe. The couple was discovered dead in their home on December 30, prompting widespread concern and an investigation by local police.
Michael David McKee, 39, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of murder on Saturday. Investigators believe the Tepe couple was killed in the early hours of that day. Emergency responders found Spencer, 37, near his bedroom, with significant injuries, leading to the later confirmation of homicides caused by gunshot wounds.
A wellness check initiated by a concerned friend of Spencer Tepe uncovered the dire scene. After failing to reach Spencer, his colleagues alerted authorities, which ultimately resulted in a call to local emergency services. The initial investigation revealed that the couple’s two young children were in the home but unharmed.
McKee was previously married to Monique Tepe for a brief period from 2015 to 2017, according to public records. Following their divorce, Monique Tepe built a life filled with warmth and joy alongside her husband Spencer, emphasizing family and community connections. Friends and family have painted a vivid picture of the couple, describing Spencer as a dedicated dentist in Athens, Ohio, who was fluent in Spanish and passionate about his work. Monique was celebrated for her dedication to family education, along with her love for baking.
Memorial services for the couple are scheduled for Sunday in Upper Arlington, Ohio, where family members expressed their heartbreak over the loss in a statement. They emphasized the children’s well-being and reaffirmed their commitment to honoring the memory of the Tepe family.
Police are piecing together a timeline of events leading to the homicides. They believe the killings occurred within a narrow window early in the morning, and surveillance footage captured an individual in the vicinity. However, authorities have not confirmed if McKee is the person seen on the video. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant noted discrepancies in initial response times and confirmed that officers were initially dispatched to the wrong address before reaching the scene.
Currently held in the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois, McKee is set to appear in court, though it remains unclear if he has secured legal representation. McKee is a licensed vascular surgeon, and records indicate he graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2014. While he has no record of disciplinary actions, he has previously worked at various medical institutions and maintains a clean criminal record, aside from traffic-related incidents.
As this case evolves, the Tepe family continues to seek justice for their loved ones. In a statement, they expressed gratitude to law enforcement and the community for their support, stating, “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon.” The plea for justice resonates as the investigation continues and the family rallies around the children left behind.