At a Glance
- Michael David McKee, 39, faces two aggravated-murder counts after the December 30 slayings of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe.
- Investigators tracked McKee through a vehicle he allegedly possessed before and after the killings.
- The couple’s fifth wedding anniversary was December 13; their children, 4 and 1, were found unharmed in the home.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the ongoing risk of domestic violence years after divorce, with two young children now orphaned.
Authorities have upgraded charges against Michael David McKee in the shooting deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe, a Columbus, Ohio, couple who celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary only days before the attack.
Upgraded Charges and Arrest
Franklin County prosecutors filed two counts of aggravated murder against McKee on Sunday, court records show. The 39-year-old Illinois resident was arrested Saturday by Winnebago County deputies and remains in custody pending extradition to Ohio.
Booking information lists the initial complaint as murder; the formal aggravated-murder counts carry enhanced penalties under state law.
The Crime Scene
Police discovered the bodies after multiple welfare-check calls to the Tepes’ residence on December 30, 2025. Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their two children were found physically unharmed and are now being cared for by relatives.
How Investigators Found McKee
Detectives zeroed in on McKee after identifying a vehicle of interest they say he had access to both before and after the killings. Additional forensic and surveillance work linked him to the crime, though authorities have not detailed the evidence.
Relationship History
Monique and Michael McKee divorced nearly a decade ago. Friends describe Monique and Spencer as “madly in love,” noting the couple’s “contagious, radiant energy.” They marked five years of marriage on December 13, 2025.
Court Appearance Ahead
McKee is scheduled to appear in Franklin County court Monday afternoon once extradition from Illinois is complete. He has not yet entered a plea, and court records do not list an attorney.
Support Resources
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Key Takeaways
- Charges escalated from murder to aggravated murder within 24 hours of arrest.
- The investigation relied heavily on vehicle tracking and timeline reconstruction.
- Two young children survive the couple, now in extended-family care.
- The case underscores lethal domestic violence risks that can persist years after divorce.
