In a startling revelation that has added fuel to the ongoing investigation into the double homicide of Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe, colleagues at Michael David McKee’s workplace have come forward with details of a heated 7-minute phone call that allegedly left the accused surgeon furious and prompted him to abruptly leave his shift. The incident, occurring just days before the December 30, 2025, murders, has been described by hospital staff as a “meltdown” that raised red flags about McKee’s emotional state. This account emerges as McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, faces two counts of aggravated murder, with prosecutors building a case around a history of emotional abuse and threats detailed by the victim’s family.
McKee, 39, a former vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, was arrested on January 10, 2026, in connection with the shootings. Authorities recovered a firearm from his property that matched the weapon used in the crime, along with other evidence linking him to the scene. During a January 14 press briefing, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant confirmed the ballistic match, stating, “We have strong evidence tying him to the murders.” But new testimonies from McKee’s colleagues paint a picture of escalating instability in the lead-up to the tragedy.
According to anonymous sources at the hospital, cited in a Facebook post and corroborated by local media, McKee received a phone call lasting approximately 7 minutes while on duty around December 27 or 28, 2025. The call, believed to involve personal matters—possibly related to his ex-wife or ongoing legal disputes—left him visibly agitated. “He was complaining about feeling disrespected, cursing and vowing to teach someone a lesson,” one colleague recounted in the post, adding that McKee stormed out shortly after, abandoning his responsibilities mid-shift. This behavior was described as “troubling” and uncharacteristic for the typically composed surgeon, who had already faced professional setbacks including a 2024 license revocation over unrelated misconduct.
The phone call’s timing aligns with heightened tensions in McKee’s personal life. Monique Tepe, 39, had divorced McKee in 2017 after a tumultuous eight-month marriage marked by allegations of emotional abuse. Family members, including Monique’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, have publicly stated that Monique was “terrified” of McKee, who allegedly messed with her mental health through controlling and abusive tactics. “She was willing to do anything to get away from him,” Misleh told NBC News, emphasizing how the abuse changed her as a person. Court records reveal a 2022 restraining order filed by Monique citing harassment, further supporting claims of ongoing threats.
Investigators are examining whether this phone call could be linked to the murders. While details of the conversation remain undisclosed, experts speculate it may have involved discussions about Monique or custody issues, given the couple’s shared history. Domestic violence specialists like those from Vox note that emotional abuse often escalates to physical violence, with patterns of coercive control preceding fatal outcomes. Psychologist Carol Pettler, commenting on similar cases, highlighted how such incidents reflect “tremendous emotional turmoil.”
The Tepes were discovered dead on December 30 after friends and colleagues, unable to reach Spencer at his dental practice, called for a welfare check. Multiple 911 calls described hearing children crying inside the home, leading officers to force entry and find the bodies in the master bedroom. The couple’s young children were unharmed, a detail that has underscored the targeted nature of the attack. Spencer, 37, owned a local dental practice and was remembered as dedicated, while Monique focused on family life after her career in healthcare.
McKee’s professional downfall adds context. Once a promising surgeon, he faced malpractice lawsuits and license issues, with a Nevada lawyer telling local media that McKee “just disappeared” after dodging legal service. His move to Illinois followed these setbacks, but the arrest has now exposed his personal turmoil.
Family revelations about abuse have amplified calls for awareness. Misleh’s statements echo broader statistics: according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, emotional abuse affects one in four women, often escalating undetected. In Ohio, domestic violence incidents have risen 10% since 2020, prompting advocacy for better protections.
McKee waived extradition on January 12 and is en route to Ohio for arraignment. Prosecutors are confident in their case, bolstered by video footage, vehicle tracking, and the weapon recovery. He faces life imprisonment if convicted.
The community continues to rally. A memorial for the Tepes drew hundreds, and a GoFundMe for the children has surpassed $200,000. As one advocate noted, “This case shows how emotional scars can turn deadly.”
As trial preparations begin, the phone call incident may prove pivotal, offering insight into McKee’s mindset. For now, the focus is on justice and healing for the bereaved.
