The funerals for Monique and Spencer Tepe drew more than 1,000 mourners on Jan. 11 in Upper Arlington, Ohio, as friends, family and strangers gathered to honor the couple who were shot to death on Dec. 30. Their young children, ages 4 and 1, were found physically unharmed. Authorities arrested Michael David McKee on Jan. 10; he has been indicted and is awaiting extradition. Police say the killings were targeted and linked to domestic violence. A GoFundMe for the children has raised over $233,000.
More Than 1,000 Mourners Attend Funerals for Monique and Spencer Tepe, Family Says
FacebookSpencer and Monique Tepe.
Hundreds — and by family estimates more than 1,000 — gathered in mid-January to mourn Monique and Spencer Tepe, the Columbus, Ohio couple who were fatally shot in their home on Dec. 30. The turnout reflected a nationwide outpouring of grief for the couple and an outsize response from people who never met them.
Spencer and Monique Tepe Murder, People Magazine cover
Large Turnout at Funeral Services
The funerals were held on Jan. 11 in Upper Arlington. Spencer's brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, said the family had expected roughly 600 to 700 attendees but were surprised when the line extended out the door. "From all accounts it seems like we had over 1,000," he said. Spencer's sister, Madeleine Misleh, added that the funeral home told the family it was the largest crowd the facility had ever seen.
FacebookSpencer and Monique Tepe with their children.
Remembering Monique and Spencer
Friends and relatives remembered the couple as warm, sociable hosts who touched many lives. Spencer, 37, was described as an active youth mentor and community member. Monique, 39, who held a degree in early childhood education, was remembered for the lasting impact she had on colleagues and former students.
USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesFlowers placed outside the Tepes' Columbus, Ohio home.
"When I came in town, we would all wait for them to arrive — where the party was at — and they would come in with their arms up with such joy and excitement to see me," said Spencer's cousin, Audrey Mackie.
Public Reaction and Support
The couple's deaths resonated beyond their immediate community: strangers from as far away as Australia left condolences on an online obituary. A GoFundMe set up to support the Tepes' children — ages 4 and 1 — raised more than $233,000 in under three weeks.
WXYS-SBG-TVColumbus police department briefing about Tepes' homicide.
Investigation and Arrest
Columbus police said the killings were "targeted" and related to domestic violence. Investigators identified a suspect as Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old Illinois-based surgeon and Monique's former husband. Authorities located McKee using vehicle information and surveillance footage from near the Tepes' home on the night of the murders.
McKee was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, on Jan. 10 and has been indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of burglary. He is awaiting extradition to Ohio and, through a public defender in Illinois, has indicated he plans to plead not guilty to the charges.
Community Grief and Resources
Rob Misleh said the presence of strangers at the services underscored how many lives the couple had touched. Family members described the turnout as an overwhelming demonstration of support and sorrow.
If you or someone you know is 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 is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Reporting for this story included contributions by Chris Spargo; original reporting appeared in PEOPLE.
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