Authorities arrested 39-year-old Michael David McKee on Jan. 10 in connection with the Dec. 30 killings of Monique and Spencer Tepe in Columbus, Ohio. Surveillance footage led investigators to a vehicle they say was linked to the scene; police allege McKee had possession of that car before and after the homicides. Charges were upgraded to aggravated murder on Jan. 11. McKee appeared in an Illinois court on Jan. 12, plans to plead not guilty and has waived extradition back to Ohio.
Arrest Made in Columbus Double Homicide: Ex-Husband Charged in Deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe
WBNS 10TV/YouTube; Rob MislehMichael McKee court (left); and Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe.
Columbus, Ohio, authorities have arrested 39-year-old Michael David McKee in connection with the Dec. 30 fatal shootings of dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39. Police took McKee into custody on Jan. 10 and initially charged him with two counts of murder; the charges were upgraded to aggravated murder in a Jan. 11 court filing.
Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show McKee was once married to Monique. The couple wed in August 2015, lived together for roughly eight months, separated in March 2016 and Monique filed for divorce in June 2017, describing the marriage as "incompatible." The marriage lasted less than two years in total.
Investigation and Evidence
Investigators say neighborhood surveillance footage showed a vehicle arriving at the Tepe home before the shootings and leaving soon afterward. Police traced that vehicle to McKee and allege they found evidence indicating he had possession of the car both before and after the homicides, according to a criminal complaint cited by PEOPLE.
Winnabago County Sheriff's Office; Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesMichael David McKee (left); and crime scene outside the home of Monique and Spencer Tepe.
Authorities have not publicly announced a motive or indicated whether the Tepe family had previously raised concerns about McKee. Investigators continue to develop the case, and officials have limited public comment as the matter proceeds through the courts.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
McKee appeared in an Illinois court on Jan. 12, where his attorney indicated he plans to enter not-guilty pleas. He waived extradition, clearing the way for his return to Ohio as authorities prepare to transfer him to face the upgraded charges.
Two young children, ages 4 and 1, were present in the home but were not physically harmed. Family members have said they are grappling with how to explain the deaths to the children.
Support Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are confidential, toll-free and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available and as court proceedings continue.
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