At a Glance
- Monique and Spencer Tepe were shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home on December 30, 2025.
- Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, is charged with two counts of aggravated premeditated murder.
- Family members say Monique had long feared McKee, alleging years of emotional abuse and repeated death threats.
- Why it matters: The case highlights how past domestic violence can escalate to lethal violence, even after a marriage ends.
Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, were found shot to death in their Columbus home while their two young children-ages 4 and 1-were nearby but physically unharmed. Columbus police have labeled the killings “targeted” and “domestic violence-related.”
The Arrest
Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested in Illinois, where he now lives, and is awaiting extradition to Ohio. He is charged with two counts of aggravated premeditated murder. A public defender in Illinois told News Of Los Angeles earlier this week that McKee plans to plead not guilty.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said at a January 14, 2026 press conference: “This was a domestic violence-related attack.”
Years of Fear
Spencer’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, told News Of Los Angeles the family was “not surprised” by McKee’s arrest. Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister, said Monique had been “very vocal” about the emotional abuse she endured while married to McKee from 2015 to 2017.
Key points from Misleh’s account:
- Monique described McKee as “very emotionally abusive” and claimed he threatened her life “many times.”
- The threats were verbal, but Monique told family they left her “terrified” until her death.
- Misleh says the abuse “changed her as a person.”
Authorities have not formally accused McKee of emotional abuse. News Of Los Angeles reached out to McKee’s public defender for comment on the allegations but did not receive an immediate response.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015-2017 | Monique and McKee are married; Monique later tells family of abuse |
| December 30, 2025 | Monique and Spencer Tepe are shot to death |
| January 14, 2026 | Columbus police announce McKee’s arrest and charges |
The Children
The couple’s two children were inside the home at the time of the shooting but were physically unharmed. Their current custody arrangements have not been disclosed.
Legal Next Steps
McKee remains in Illinois custody pending extradition. Once returned to Ohio, he will face arraignment on the aggravated murder charges. Each count carries a possible sentence of life without parole or the death penalty under Ohio law.
Key Takeaways
- The suspect and victim had a previous marriage marked by alleged abuse.
- Family members say warning signs were present for years.
- Columbus police are treating the case as a domestic violence-related homicide.
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. Help is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
