Authorities in Columbus, Ohio, have made a significant breakthrough in the December 30, 2025, double homicide of local dentist Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, announcing the arrest of a suspect identified as Monique’s ex-husband. Michael David McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon from Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, was taken into custody on January 10, 2026, in the Rockford, Illinois, area and charged with two counts of murder. The arrest, confirmed by Franklin County Municipal Court records, ends weeks of speculation in a case that has gripped the community due to its brutality and the presence of the couple’s young children at the scene. While police have not disclosed a motive or full evidentiary details, investigators cited surveillance footage and vehicle tracking as key elements leading to McKee’s apprehension. The case remains under investigation, with McKee awaiting extradition to Ohio.

The grim discovery unfolded on the morning of December 30, 2025, when Columbus police responded to a welfare check at the Tepe residence in the Weinland Park neighborhood, a quiet area near downtown. Officers found Spencer Tepe, 36, and Monique Tepe, 37, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds in their home on East 5th Avenue. There were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the perpetrator may have been known to the victims. Alarmingly, the couple’s two children—a 3-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl—were found unharmed but alone in the house, having been with the bodies for an undetermined period. Frantic 911 calls released later revealed the children’s cries in the background as responders arrived, adding to the tragedy’s emotional weight. The Columbus Division of Police described the scene as “horrific” in initial statements, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation due to the lack of immediate suspects or robbery motives.

Spencer Tepe was a well-respected dentist in the Columbus area, operating Tepe Family Dentistry, a practice known for its community involvement and patient-centered care. A graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, Tepe had built a reputation as a skilled professional and family man. Friends and patients described him as “kind-hearted” and “dedicated,” often volunteering at local clinics for underserved populations. Monique Tepe, née McKee, worked as a marketing consultant and was active in local charities, particularly those supporting children’s health. The couple, married in 2020, were high school sweethearts who reconnected later in life, according to family statements. They were known for their close-knit family life, frequently sharing photos of outings with their kids on social media. A family photo from a 2024 vacation shows the Tepes smiling together, a stark contrast to the violence that ended their lives.

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Michael David McKee, the accused, has a professional background in medicine. A board-certified vascular surgeon, he practices at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, specializing in minimally invasive procedures for vascular diseases. Court records show he married Monique in August 2015 in Athens County, Ohio, but the union ended in divorce in 2017 after two years. The divorce was amicable on paper, with shared custody arrangements for any potential children, though the Tepes’ kids were from Monique’s marriage to Spencer. McKee relocated to Chicago post-divorce, building a successful career, but sources indicate lingering tensions. A mugshot released by Winnebago County Jail depicts McKee in standard booking attire, his expression neutral amid the serious charges.

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Ex-husband arrested in connection with double murder of Ohio …

The investigation began immediately after the bodies were found, with police canvassing the neighborhood and reviewing home security footage. On January 2, 2026, authorities released surveillance images of a person of interest seen near the home around the time of the murders, estimated between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on December 29. The figure, dressed in dark clothing, was captured on a neighbor’s camera approaching the property on foot. Detectives also traced a vehicle linked to the scene—a dark SUV registered in Illinois—which was later located in Rockford. This “critical clue,” as described by Fox News sources, connected the dots to McKee, who was known to drive a similar model. McKee was arrested without incident at a residence in the Chicago suburbs, following a joint operation by Columbus PD, the FBI, and Illinois State Police. He was booked into Winnebago County Jail on fugitive warrants and is being held without bond pending extradition, expected within 10 days.

Family members of the Tepes expressed a mix of relief and grief following the arrest. In a statement to WLWT, Spencer’s sister said, “We’ve suspected him from the start. This doesn’t bring them back, but it’s a step toward justice.” Monique’s relatives echoed similar sentiments, noting prior concerns about McKee’s behavior post-divorce, though no specific incidents were detailed publicly. The children, now in the care of relatives, are reported to be safe but traumatized. Community vigils have been held at Tepe Family Dentistry, where patients left flowers and notes. One patient told NBC News, “Dr. Tepe was like family to us. This is devastating.” Local leaders, including Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, condemned the violence, calling it “senseless” and urging support for domestic violence prevention programs.

The case has drawn national attention, with true crime podcasts and YouTube channels dissecting the details. Surviving The Survivor Podcast hosted live discussions on January 10, featuring retired homicide detectives analyzing the arrest. One expert, Jeff Wenninger, a former LAPD lieutenant, noted, “Cases like this often point to someone close—ex-spouses top the list.” Another, Jay Fulton from Columbus PD, explained the investigative rush post-arrest to secure evidence. Social media platforms like X buzzed with reactions, from shock at McKee’s professional status to calls for swift justice. Posts from accounts like @PodcastSTS amassed thousands of views, with users sharing theories and condolences.

McKee is due in Franklin County Court on January 13 for an initial hearing, where prosecutors will outline the case. Legal experts anticipate a lengthy process, given the interstate elements and potential defenses. Ohio law allows for the death penalty in aggravated murder cases, but it’s rarely pursued; life without parole is more common. McKee’s attorney has not commented, but sources indicate he maintains innocence. The motive remains unclear—speculation ranges from jealousy over Monique’s remarriage to financial disputes—but police say evidence is “strong.”

This tragedy highlights broader issues of domestic violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner. In Ohio, 2025 saw a 15% rise in such homicides, per state reports. Advocacy groups like the Ohio Domestic Violence Network have used the case to push for better protective orders and monitoring of high-risk ex-partners.

As the community mourns, Tepe Family Dentistry remains closed, with staff redirecting patients. A GoFundMe for the children raised over $150,000 by January 12. Friends remember the Tepes as “the perfect couple,” their lives cut short in a act of alleged rage. With McKee’s arrest, the path to closure begins, but for the orphans left behind, the scars may never fully heal. The investigation continues, with more details expected at the upcoming court appearance.