Monique (37) and Spencer (39) Tepe were found fatally shot inside their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30 while their two young children remained inside the residence. Family members say the children — roughly 3 years old and about 17 months — were discovered unharmed, just feet from their parents' bodies.
Timeline and Discovery
According to relatives, a friend of Spencer arrived at the house the next morning after Spencer did not report to work. The friend told a 911 dispatcher he could hear children crying inside and later, in a separate call, said he could see a body and was distraught. Family members believe the crying came from the youngest child, Beckham, who was likely unable to climb out of his crib.
USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFlowers outside Monique and Spencer Tepe's home in Columbus, Ohio
What Authorities Have Said
Columbus police have released limited details but did make available surveillance footage showing a person of interest near the Tepes' home around the time investigators believe the shootings occurred (reported window roughly 2 a.m.–5 a.m.). After a multiday investigation and public appeal for tips, authorities identified and later arrested a suspect.
Columbus Division of PoliceSurveillance footage showing person of interest near the Tepes' home.
Suspect And Charges
Authorities named 39-year-old Michael David McKee as a suspect. McKee, whom family say was briefly married to Monique about a decade earlier, was arrested in Rockford, Illinois — approximately 450 miles from Columbus — outside a Chick-fil-A. He has been indicted on aggravated murder and burglary charges and is awaiting extradition to Ohio. An Illinois public defender said McKee plans to plead not guilty to the murder counts; a plea on the burglary charge has not been entered.
Courtesy Rob MislehSpencer and Monique Tepe
Family Reaction And Children's Care
Relatives say both children are now living with family members and are receiving professional support. Rob Misleh, Spencer's brother-in-law, told reporters the youngest child was likely awake and in his crib for hours before anyone entered, and may not have been fed during that time. The family believes the children did not witness the killings, given the reported time window.
Winnebago County Sheriff's OfficeMichael David McKee
“I really don't think that a 4‑year‑old can grasp [what] is hard for us to even grasp. It's going to be years and years of processing,”
Family members say they are using professional guidance and age-appropriate resources to help the children process the loss. Friends and relatives remembered the Tepes as loving, community-minded parents — Spencer for his music and warmth, and Monique for her background in early childhood education and devotion to family.
FacebookSpencer Tepe at work in Athens, Ohio.
Background And Context
Family members told reporters that Monique had left a previous marriage to McKee after describing it as emotionally abusive. They say Monique had filed for divorce less than two years into that marriage and that the alleged abuse had long-term effects on her.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue to withhold many details as the case advances toward prosecution. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Columbus police. The family and community have expressed gratitude for the tips and support that aided investigators.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential; the hotline operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
