At a Glance
- A firearm seized from Illinois vascular surgeon Michael McKee is believed to be the weapon used to kill his ex-wife and her new husband in Ohio.
- McKee was arrested 400 miles from the crime scene and charged with two counts of aggravated murder.
- The couple’s two young children were found unharmed but are now orphaned.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the lethal consequences of domestic violence and the gaps that can exist even after a divorce.
Columbus police say they have recovered what they believe is the murder weapon used in the killings of Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, inside their Columbus home on December 30.
The firearm was found on the property of Michael McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, and Monique’s ex-husband. McKee was taken into custody there on Saturday and formally charged with two counts of aggravated murder.
The Arrest and Evidence
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested McKee without incident at his Illinois home, roughly 400 miles from the crime scene. During a subsequent search, investigators seized multiple firearms, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant told News Of Philadelphia.
“One of those weapons we believe is the murder weapon,” Bryant said, declining to specify caliber or type while the investigation continues.
Surveillance footage places McKee’s vehicle near the Tepes’ residence “just before the murders,” Bryant added. There were no signs of forced entry, though officials have not detailed how McKee allegedly gained access to the house.
A Brief, Troubled Marriage
Marriage records show McKee and Monique wed in 2015 and divorced two years later, citing “incompatibility.” The pair lived together for only seven months, according to relatives, who told News Of Philadelphia that emotional abuse prompted Monique to flee.
“It was so impactful that she had to leave the relationship so abruptly and get out because she was so worried,” said Rob Misleh, brother-in-law of Spencer Tepe.
Columbus police have no prior calls or incident reports involving McKee at the couple’s home, which the Tepes purchased in 2020.
The Discovery
Friends and co-workers grew concerned when Spencer, a dentist, missed appointments and failed to answer messages. A friend drove to the house and, after looking through a window, dialed 911 upon spotting Spencer lying in a pool of blood beside his bed.
Officers arrived to find both spouses deceased. The couple’s two small children were found elsewhere in the home, physically unharmed but audibly crying in the background of the emergency call.
“We have two little children who have lost their parents, a family that will never be the same,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther told News Of Philadelphia. “I’m going to ask the people of Columbus to continue to lift up and pray for this family.”
Court Proceedings
McKee appeared Monday in a Winnebago County courtroom, where a public defender entered a preliminary plea of not guilty on his behalf. He remains held without bond pending extradition to Ohio.
Ginther said the surgeon “will be extradited to Columbus,” though no exact date has been set. Once transported, McKee is expected to face formal arraignment on the aggravated murder charges.
Domestic Violence Classification
While investigators have not publicly discussed a specific motive, Chief Bryant left no doubt about the nature of the crime.
“What we can say, this was a targeted attack,” she stated. “This was a domestic violence-related attack.”
Bryant emphasized that releasing further detail could jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
“This being such an ongoing and very fluid investigation, it’s really important for us to make sure that we share the things that aren’t going to compromise the case,” she explained.
Community Reaction
The killings have shaken both the tight-knit dental community that Spencer belonged to and the broader Columbus neighborhood where the Tepes were known for hosting barbecues and playdates.
Local leaders are urging anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help before tensions escalate. “Tragedies like this remind us that domestic violence can turn deadly even years after a relationship ends,” Ginther said.
Next Steps
- Prosecutors will present the case to a Franklin County grand jury for indictment.
- Extradition paperwork is being finalized between Illinois and Ohio authorities.
- Counsel for McKee has not responded to additional requests for comment.
Key Takeaways
- Investigators believe they have both the murder weapon and video evidence tying McKee to the scene.
- The suspect and victim share a documented history of domestic strife that relatives say prompted the divorce.
- Two young children survive the couple, now in the care of extended family.
- Officials stress that domestic violence can persist long after separation, urging continued vigilance and support for victims.
