Family members of Monique Tepe have come forward with disturbing allegations that her ex-husband, vascular surgeon Dr. Michael David McKee, repeatedly threatened to kill her during their brief marriage, years before the shocking double homicide that claimed her life and that of her second husband, Spencer Tepe. The claims add a chilling layer to an already tragic case that unfolded in Columbus, Ohio, on December 30, 2025, when the couple was found shot to death in their Weinland Park home.
Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, a respected dentist, were discovered after concerned colleagues called for a wellness check when Spencer failed to arrive at work. Police arrived to find no signs of forced entry, but the scene inside was horrific: Spencer lay in a pool of blood beside his bed, Monique in another room, both victims of gunshot wounds. Their two young children, ages 1 and 4, and the family dog remained unharmed physically, though the children were crying when first responders entered. The couple had been just weeks away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.
Investigators quickly identified McKee, 39, as the prime suspect. Surveillance footage captured a hooded figure walking through a snowy alley near the home around the estimated time of the murders, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Police linked the individual to a vehicle that arrived shortly before the killings and departed immediately after. Tracking the car led authorities to Rockford, Illinois, where McKee worked and resided in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area. He was arrested on January 10, 2026, initially on two counts of murder, which were upgraded to aggravated murder with premeditation and additional charges including aggravated burglary and use of a firearm suppressor.
A Franklin County grand jury indicted McKee on January 16 on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary, accusing him of using a silencer during the attack. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant described the incident as a “targeted” and “domestic violence-related” assault, emphasizing that McKee was Monique’s ex-husband. Multiple weapons, including one preliminarily matched to the crime scene ballistics, were recovered from McKee’s Chicago property.
McKee and Monique married in August 2015 in Ohio, where both had ties—McKee graduated from Ohio State University’s College of Medicine in 2014. The marriage dissolved in 2017 on grounds of “incompatibility,” with records showing they had already lived separately. Monique received the divorce, and no children were born from the union. She later married Spencer in December 2020, building a life together with their two children. Spencer was remembered as a devoted father, fluent in Spanish, involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a passionate fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes. Family described the couple as “soulmates” who brought joy and generosity to everyone around them.
Family sources close to Monique have revealed that McKee’s alleged threats were not isolated. One relative told media outlets that Monique had confided in loved ones about being “terrified” of McKee, describing repeated death threats throughout their relationship. She reportedly felt desperate to escape the marriage, willing to do anything to leave. While no police reports or restraining orders from that period have surfaced publicly, these accounts paint a picture of emotional abuse and control that lingered long after the divorce. Relatives emphasized Monique’s strength in moving forward, finding happiness with Spencer, only for the past to resurface violently.
The absence of prior incidents at the Tepe home—where they moved in 2020—initially puzzled investigators, but the domestic violence classification points to long-simmering resentment. Prosecutors allege premeditation, suggesting McKee planned the attack with calculation. The use of a suppressor ensured the shootings remained quiet enough that the children in nearby rooms were not immediately alerted. No robbery motive appeared evident, reinforcing the targeted nature of the crime.
McKee, who held active medical licenses in Illinois and California (with a prior Nevada license expired), had relocated multiple times post-divorce: Virginia for residency, Nevada, then Illinois. He worked as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford until the arrest. His employer issued a brief statement expressing shock and cooperation with authorities.
McKee waived extradition from Illinois and indicated he would plead not guilty upon return to Ohio. He remains in custody as proceedings move forward, facing potential life imprisonment without parole if convicted. The Tepe family released statements thanking police for their “tireless” efforts and calling the arrest “an important step toward justice.” They highlighted the community’s support amid unimaginable grief, particularly for the children left without parents.
This case highlights the long shadows cast by domestic violence, where threats from years past can erupt into deadly action. Monique’s alleged fears, dismissed or unresolved at the time, now form part of the narrative surrounding her death. As the investigation continues—reviewing forensics, surveillance, and McKee’s movements—the focus remains on accountability and healing for those left behind.
The tragedy has stunned Columbus, where Spencer was a beloved professional and the couple known for their warmth. Memorials of flowers and tributes lined their porch, and a funeral visitation honored their lives. For the family, the revelations about past threats underscore a painful truth: warnings sometimes go unheard until it’s too late. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is for answers, closure, and protection for others facing similar dangers.
