Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder after Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30. The couple had celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary weeks earlier and leave behind two young children, ages 1 and 4, who are now with extended family. Investigators say McKee was identified after detectives tracked his vehicle on neighborhood surveillance; he has been charged but not convicted. Family and neighbors have expressed shock, and a joint funeral was scheduled for Jan. 11.
Ex-Husband Arrested in Shooting Deaths of Ohio Dentist and Wife Weeks After Their 5th Anniversary
Courtesy of Rob Misleh;Winnebago county sheriff' officeSpencer and Monique Tepe; Michael David McKee
Police arrested 39-year-old Michael David McKee and charged him with two counts of murder after Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30. The couple, 37 and 39, had celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary just weeks earlier and left behind two young children, ages 1 and 4, who are now being cared for by extended family.
What Happened
Columbus police responded to a welfare check on the morning of Dec. 30 after Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work at Athens Dental Depot. An initial officer visit around 9:22 a.m. produced no answer. At 9:57 a.m., a friend called again saying they could hear children crying inside the house and could see Spencer’s body through a window. Both Spencer and Monique Tepe were pronounced dead at the scene with apparent gunshot wounds.
Courtesy of Rob MislehMonique and Spencer Tepe.
Investigation and Arrest
According to court records obtained by PEOPLE, detectives identified McKee — Monique’s 39-year-old ex-husband, whose divorce from her was finalized in June 2017 — as a suspect after tracking his vehicle on neighborhood surveillance near the scene. McKee was arrested and charged with two counts of murder on Jan. 10. He has been charged but not convicted.
Family, Community Reaction and Aftermath
The Tepes had married in a private family ceremony on Dec. 13, 2020, after meeting online. Their obituary said, "They had two precious children together who were loved dearly. Spencer and Monique were the life of the party, holding many family and friend gatherings. They were generous with kind hearts."
Winnebago County Sheriff's OfficeMichael David McKee
“We have had them for the past couple of days … they were just as happy and, unfortunately, unaware as they ever could be,” said Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister, of the children. “But they’re in loving hands.”
Neighbors and friends expressed shock at the arrests. One neighbor of McKee told ABC 7 Chicago that he did not seem like someone capable of violence, describing casual conversations at neighborhood gatherings.
Funeral Arrangements
A joint funeral for Spencer and Monique was scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11, at Schoedinger Northwest, to be followed by a celebration of life.
Sources: PEOPLE, Columbus Police incident reports, WSYX, NewsNation, ABC 7 Chicago.
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