A Columbus, Ohio, double homicide investigation has resulted in the arrest and charging of Michael David McKee, 39, the ex-husband of one of the victims, Monique Tepe. Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found deceased from gunshot wounds in their residence on December 30. McKee faces two counts of premeditated aggravated murder and has waived extradition from Illinois to Ohio. Two young children were found unharmed in the home at the time of the discovery.
Incident Discovery
On December 30, Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe were discovered deceased in their home on the Near East Side of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Authorities estimate the deaths occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on the second floor of the residence. Two children, aged 1 and 4, were found unharmed inside the home and are now in the care of relatives.
The discovery followed a series of welfare checks initiated after Spencer Tepe did not arrive for work.
- December 29: Spencer Tepe was last publicly seen.
- December 30 (8:58 a.m.): Spencer Tepe's employer made the first 911 call from Florida, reporting Tepe's unusual absence and inability to reach him or his wife.
- December 30 (9:22 a.m.): An officer responded to the residence for a wellness check but departed after receiving no answer.
- December 30 (Approximately 9:52 a.m.): Colleagues and a friend of Spencer Tepe arrived at the home, with one individual reporting hearing children inside. Police were then dispatched back to the residence.
- December 30 (10:11 a.m.): Medical personnel pronounced Spencer and Monique Tepe deceased.
Initial investigation at the scene revealed no obvious signs of forced entry and no firearm was recovered. Investigators later reported finding three 9mm shell casings inside the home. Spencer Tepe sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and Monique Tepe sustained at least one gunshot wound to the chest.
Investigation and Person of Interest
The Columbus Division of Police commenced a double homicide investigation. On January 5, police released surveillance footage depicting a person of interest walking in an alley adjacent to the Tepe residence during the estimated timeframe of the homicides. The individual in the video was described as wearing jeans or lighter-colored pants and a black or dark hooded jacket, with their hands in their pockets. The individual's face was not discernible in the recording.
Police Chief Elaine Bryant stated that a motive had not yet been publicly identified and emphasized the department's commitment to the case.
Arrest and Charges
Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested on January 8 in Rockford, Illinois, in connection with the deaths. McKee is the former husband of Monique Tepe.
Investigators reportedly identified McKee through neighborhood surveillance, which linked him to a vehicle observed arriving at the scene shortly before the killings and departing afterward. This vehicle was later located in Rockford, Illinois, where police confirmed McKee as its registered owner. Evidence reportedly suggested McKee was in possession of the vehicle before and after the incident.
McKee has been charged with two counts of premeditated aggravated murder. This charge requires proof of "prior calculation and design" or commission during another serious crime, and carries potential penalties including life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Legal Proceedings
On January 10, McKee waived his right to an extradition hearing in Illinois, initiating a 30-day period for Ohio authorities to transport him to the state. His public defender, Carie Poirier, stated that McKee intends to plead not guilty. McKee has not yet been formally indicted, which can occur once he is in Ohio. A criminal complaint has been issued. Police have not publicly disclosed a potential motive for the killings.
Background of Individuals
Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe were married in December 2020. Family members described the couple as kind, inviting, and dedicated to service, family, and community. They are survived by their two young children.
Michael David McKee and Monique Tepe were married in August 2015 and divorced in June 2017. They did not have children together. Court records indicate no major conflicts during their divorce proceedings. Monique Tepe's brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, stated that Monique Tepe had previously described emotional abuse by McKee.
McKee is a physician and surgeon licensed in California and Illinois, and was listed as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois. Records indicate no disciplinary history in the states where he practiced.
Public Assistance
The Columbus Police Department continues to receive and pursue tips related to the case. Individuals with information regarding the person of interest or the investigation are asked to contact 614-645-2228. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.