The arrest of monique tepe ex husband has transformed a heartbreaking mystery into a full-scale criminal case, as investigators move forward with charges in the killing of Monique Tepe and her husband, Dr. Spencer Tepe. The couple was found shot to death inside their Columbus, Ohio, home, a crime that left two young children without their parents and sent shockwaves through the community. With a suspect now in custody, new attention has turned to the timeline, the relationships involved, and the legal road ahead.
A Routine Morning That Turned Into a Nightmare
On the morning of December 30, 2025, concern began to grow when Dr. Spencer Tepe failed to arrive at his dental practice and did not respond to calls or messages. Family members and colleagues requested a welfare check at the couple’s residence in the Weinland Park area of Columbus.
When officers entered the home, they discovered a scene that would haunt the community. Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead from gunshot wounds. The violence appeared sudden and targeted. Despite the tragedy, one detail offered a measure of relief: the couple’s two young children were inside the home but unharmed. They were quickly removed from the scene and placed with relatives.
Investigators reported no signs of forced entry. Doors and windows were intact, suggesting the killer may have had a way inside without breaking in. This detail immediately narrowed the focus of the investigation.
Who Were Spencer and Monique Tepe?
Spencer Tepe, 37, had built a respected career as a dentist. Patients and coworkers described him as calm, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to his work. Outside the office, he was known as a devoted father who prioritized time with his children.
Monique Tepe, 39, focused much of her life on raising their young family. Friends recalled her as warm, organized, and fiercely protective of her kids. She was often seen walking with them in the neighborhood and participating in local family activities.
The couple had established what appeared to be a stable and loving home. Their sudden deaths left relatives, friends, and neighbors struggling to understand how such violence could strike a family that seemed so rooted in ordinary life.
Building the Timeline
Investigators believe the shootings occurred during the early morning hours, before daylight. The exact time remains under review, but evidence suggests the attack happened while the family was at home and likely asleep.
Surveillance footage from nearby streets, combined with vehicle movement data, became critical in reconstructing what happened. Detectives identified a car that entered the neighborhood during the suspected window of the killings and left shortly afterward. That vehicle later became a central piece of evidence.
Digital records, traffic cameras, and license plate data allowed authorities to trace the car across state lines. This trail ultimately led them to Illinois and to a former spouse of Monique Tepe.
The Arrest That Changed the Case
In early January 2026, law enforcement located and arrested Michael David McKee in Rockford, Illinois. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe.
McKee is a physician by training, specializing in vascular surgery. His professional background includes years of education, residency, and fellowship training in multiple states. At the time of his arrest, he was living and working in the Midwest.
Authorities confirmed that McKee and Monique Tepe had been married in the past and later divorced. That connection, along with the vehicle evidence and other investigative findings, led to his identification as the primary suspect.
He is currently being held while the legal process moves forward, including extradition to Ohio, where formal court proceedings will take place.
A Marriage From the Past
Court records show that Monique and McKee were married in 2015 and divorced in 2017. The marriage lasted about two years and ended without children. After the divorce, Monique eventually met and married Spencer Tepe, with whom she built a new life and started a family.
While investigators have not publicly stated a motive, they have confirmed that the prior marital relationship was a significant factor in the investigation. The past connection placed the focus squarely on monique tepe ex husband as detectives worked to understand how old ties could have intersected with present tragedy.
Inside the Investigation
Detectives worked across jurisdictions, coordinating between Ohio and Illinois agencies. The process involved analyzing:
- Surveillance footage from residential and commercial cameras
- Vehicle location data and travel patterns
- Phone and digital records
- Forensic evidence collected from the crime scene
Although many technical details remain sealed, authorities have emphasized that the case against the suspect is built on multiple layers of corroborated information.
No murder weapon has been publicly displayed, and investigators have not released specifics about ballistic findings. They have stated only that the evidence supports the charges filed and that the investigation remains active.
The Children at the Center of the Tragedy
Perhaps the most painful aspect of the case is the presence of the Tepe children in the home at the time of the killings. Both were too young to understand what was happening, yet their lives were permanently altered in a single night.
Family members have taken them in and are working to provide stability and privacy. Authorities and relatives have urged the public to respect the children’s anonymity and allow them to grow up away from the spotlight surrounding the case.
Their future well-being has become a central concern for extended family, who now carry the responsibility of preserving the memory of their parents while helping the children heal.
Community Reaction
The Weinland Park neighborhood, a close-knit area near downtown Columbus, has struggled to process the loss. Neighbors described seeing police cars, investigators, and forensic teams outside the Tepe home for days after the discovery.
Memorials appeared along the sidewalk—flowers, candles, and notes left by people who never met the family but felt compelled to show support. Community leaders held gatherings focused on unity, safety, and compassion.
The case also sparked broader conversations about domestic violence, unresolved conflicts from past relationships, and the importance of mental health resources and early intervention.
The Legal Path Forward
Once extradited to Ohio, McKee is expected to be formally arraigned in Franklin County. Prosecutors will present the charges, and the court will determine the schedule for hearings, motions, and potential trial proceedings.
In a double murder case, the process is often lengthy. It includes:
- Review of forensic and digital evidence
- Witness testimony
- Expert analysis
- Pretrial motions from both prosecution and defense
Bail decisions, jury selection, and trial dates will follow established legal procedures. Each step will be closely watched due to the severity of the charges and the public interest in the case.
A Case That Reaches Beyond One City
The combination of professional careers, family life, and an alleged crime involving a former spouse has made this case resonate far beyond Columbus. People across the country have followed updates, searching for verified facts and court developments.
The story underscores how past relationships can cast long shadows and how violence can emerge in places that seem peaceful and secure. It also highlights the complexity of modern investigations, where digital footprints and surveillance networks play a central role.
Remembering the Victims
As legal proceedings move forward, many continue to focus on honoring the lives of Spencer and Monique Tepe rather than solely on the crime itself.
Friends remember Spencer’s steady presence and dedication to his patients. They remember Monique’s devotion to her children and her role as the emotional center of her family. Together, they are remembered as parents who built their lives around love, routine, and care.
Their absence leaves a void not only in their family but also in the professional and neighborhood communities they were part of.
Looking Ahead
The arrest marks a turning point, but it is only the beginning of the judicial process. Investigators continue to review evidence, prosecutors prepare their case, and defense attorneys begin their work. The court will ultimately determine the outcome based on the facts presented.
For now, the focus remains on accountability, justice, and the long road toward healing for those left behind.
As the case unfolds, new information will emerge through official court filings and proceedings, shaping the next chapter in a story that has already left a lasting impact on countless lives.