At a Glance
- Monique and Spencer Tepe were fatally shot in their Columbus home on Dec. 30, leaving their children, 3 and 1, alone for hours.
- Police arrested Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband from a decade ago, in Illinois on aggravated murder and burglary charges.
- The children were found physically unharmed but family say it could take years for them to process the loss.
Why it matters: The case highlights the long reach of alleged domestic abuse and the devastating impact on surviving children.
A quiet December night in Columbus, Ohio, turned into a days-long manhunt after Monique Tepe, 37, and Spencer Tepe, 39, were found shot to death in their home, while their two young children remained inside, unaware and alone for hours.
The Crime Scene
The couple’s bodies were discovered the morning of Dec. 30 after Spencer failed to show up for work. A worried friend arrived, heard children crying, and dialed 911. Sobbing, the friend told the dispatcher he could see a body through a window.
Police estimate the murders occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Three-year-old Emilia Tepe and 17-month-old Beckham Tepe were in separate bedrooms. Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, believes Beckham’s cries were heard because the toddler was awake and unable to climb out of his crib.
“He likely hadn’t had food for a while by the time police arrived,” Misleh said. Investigators believe the children did not witness the shootings.
The Suspect
Surveillance footage released by Columbus police showed a person of interest near the home. Tips led detectives to Michael David McKee, 39, Monique’s former husband from a brief marriage ten years ago.
Friends told News Of Los Angeles that Monique described the union as “emotionally abusive” and said McKee had threatened her life. She filed for divorce less than two years after the wedding.
“[The abuse] changed Monique as a person,” Rob Misleh said.
McKee was arrested outside a Rockford, Illinois, Chick-fil-A, roughly 450 miles from the crime scene. He has been indicted on aggravated murder and burglary charges and is awaiting extradition to Ohio. An Illinois public defender stated McKee plans to plead not guilty to the murder counts; he has not entered a plea on the burglary charge.
The Children Left Behind
Emilia and Beckham are now with relatives who face the delicate task of explaining an unexplainable loss.
“I really don’t think that a 4-year-old can grasp what is hard for us to even grasp,” Misleh said. “It’s going to be years and years of processing.”
Spencer’s cousin, Audrey Mackie, said the family encourages open conversation. “If Emilia wants to talk about it-we are to encourage that,” Mackie noted. Relatives have consulted professionals and use children’s books to guide discussions.
A Joyful Last Christmas
Days before the killings, the Tepes celebrated the holiday with Madeleine Misleh, Spencer’s sister and a fashion designer who crafted princess dresses for Emilia and her cousins. Spencer proudly photographed the creations.
“My brother has always been the biggest fan of my art,” Madeleine said.
Friends remembered Spencer as the self-appointed DJ at gatherings and an ordained wedding officiant, roles that underscored the trust placed in him. Monique, armed with a degree in early childhood education, taught before becoming a stay-at-home mom who loved baking and competitive board games.
After news of the murders spread, a former student from roughly 15 years ago contacted the family to share how Monique had shaped their life.
“They loved fiercely,” Mackie said. “It’s a true loss.”
Key Takeaways
- The double homicide unfolded within hours, leaving two toddlers alone until a coworker’s concern triggered discovery.
- Investigators linked the crime to Monique’s former spouse, alleging burglary and aggravated murder.
- Family members vow to support the children through a grief that will span years, not days.
