At a Glance
- Michael David McKee, 39, is charged with two counts of murder in the Dec. 30 shooting deaths of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe.
- The couple was found dead in their Columbus home just 17 days after celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary on Dec. 13.
- Their two young children, ages 1 and 4, were physically unharmed and are now with extended family.
- Why it matters: The tragedy shatters a family described as “the life of the party,” leaving two small children orphaned days after their parents’ milestone anniversary.
An Ohio dentist and his wife were shot to death in their Columbus home only weeks after marking five years of marriage, and police have charged the wife’s ex-husband with both killings.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to Columbus Police, Spencer Tepe, 37, failed to report for work at Athens Dental Depot on the morning of Dec. 30, 2024. A welfare check brought an officer to the couple’s residence at 9:22 a.m., but no one answered the door. At 9:57 a.m., a friend who could see Spencer’s body through a window called 911 after hearing the couple’s children crying inside.
When officers entered, they found Spencer and Monique Tepe, 39, both dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Their two children-ages 1 and 4-were alive and physically uninjured.
Court documents obtained by News Of Losangeles show detectives traced a suspect vehicle seen on neighborhood surveillance footage to Michael David McKee, 39, Monique’s former husband. The divorce between McKee and Monique was finalized in June 2017.
| Key Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 13, 2020 | Spencer and Monique marry in a private family ceremony |
| Dec. 30, 2024 | Couple found shot to death in their home |
| Jan. 10, 2025 | McKee arrested and charged with two counts of murder |
| Jan. 11, 2025 | Joint funeral and celebration of life scheduled |
A Family Celebrating Life
Spencer and Monique met online and wed on Dec. 13, 2020. Their obituary paints a picture of a vibrant couple: “They had two precious children together who were loved dearly. Spencer and Monique were the life of the party, holding many family and friend gatherings. They were generous with kind hearts.”
A friend echoed that sentiment to News Of Losangeles, saying the pair were “madly in love” and still acted “like newlyweds” while raising their toddlers.
The Suspect’s Neighbors React
Gera-Lind Kolarik, who lives near McKee, told ABC 7 Chicago she was stunned by the arrest. “I sat down with this man and talked with him at the pool, barbecuing, about what a beautiful day it is-and then he turns out to be [charged as] a killer. It’s kind of shocking.”
McKee has not been convicted of any crime, and the case remains under investigation.
The Children’s Future
The couple’s two young children are now in the care of extended family. Rob Misleh-married to Spencer’s sister-told NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield the toddlers are “just as happy and, unfortunately, unaware as they ever could be. But they’re in loving hands, and even more people are coming by their side to make sure that they’re taken care of.”
Misleh added, “I don’t think that they saw what happened-or at least I want to believe that with my heart.”
Final Farewell
A joint funeral for Spencer and Monique Tepe is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11, at Schoedinger Northwest, followed by a celebration of life gathering.
Key Takeaways
- Surveillance footage near the crime scene helped identify McKee’s vehicle, leading to his arrest.
- The couple’s fifth anniversary was Dec. 13; they were found dead 17 days later.
- Their children, found physically safe in the home, are now surrounded by relatives aiming to shield them from the tragedy.
- McKee faces two murder charges and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
