New details have emerged in the double homicide investigation of Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe, with colleagues at Michael David McKee’s former workplace disclosing a tense 7-minute phone call that allegedly left the accused surgeon enraged and prompted him to abruptly leave his shift. The incident, occurring just days before the December 30, 2025, murders, has been described as a “meltdown” by hospital staff, adding to the portrait of McKee’s deteriorating emotional state amid allegations of long-term abuse toward his ex-wife, Monique. As McKee, 39, awaits trial on two counts of aggravated murder, this revelation could provide prosecutors with further insight into his mindset leading up to the crime.

McKee, a vascular surgeon who worked at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, after losing his license in Ohio in 2024 due to unrelated professional misconduct, was reportedly on duty when he received the call around December 27 or 28, 2025. According to anonymous sources within the hospital, cited in a viral Facebook post and corroborated by local media outlets, the conversation lasted approximately 7 minutes and involved heated exchanges that left McKee visibly agitated. “He was complaining about feeling disrespected, cursing and vowing to teach someone a lesson,” one colleague recounted. Following the call, McKee allegedly stormed out, abandoning his responsibilities mid-shift—a behavior described as uncharacteristic for the typically composed professional.

The phone call’s content remains undisclosed by authorities, but speculation centers on personal matters, possibly related to his ongoing disputes with Monique or legal issues stemming from their 2017 divorce. Family members of the victims have publicly accused McKee of emotional abuse during the marriage, with Monique’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, telling NBC News that Monique was “terrified” of him and that he “messed with her mental health.” Misleh elaborated that Monique confided in him about the abuse, stating she was willing to do anything to escape the relationship. Court records support these claims, showing a 2022 restraining order filed by Monique citing harassment and threats.

Investigators are examining whether this call could be a pivotal moment in McKee’s alleged path to violence. The Columbus Police Department, in collaboration with Illinois authorities, has obtained phone records as part of their probe. Chief Elaine Bryant confirmed during a January 14 briefing that digital forensics, including cell tower data and surveillance footage, placed McKee near the crime scene on the night of the murders. A firearm recovered from McKee’s property matched the murder weapon through ballistic testing, strengthening the case against him.

McKee’s professional life has been under scrutiny since his arrest on January 10, 2026, in Rockford. Once a promising surgeon, he faced malpractice lawsuits and license revocation in 2024, details of which remain sealed but reportedly involved ethical violations. His move to Illinois followed these setbacks, but colleagues there noted increasing erratic behavior in the weeks leading up to the crime. The 7-minute call, if linked to Monique, could indicate escalating tensions, aligning with patterns of coercive control often seen in domestic violence cases.

The murders occurred in the couple’s home in Columbus’s Weinland Park neighborhood, where Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were found shot in their master bedroom after friends requested a welfare check due to Spencer’s absence from his dental practice. The couple’s young children were unharmed but distressed, discovered crying in another room. No forced entry was evident, suggesting the killer had access or was known to the victims. Chief Bryant described the attack as “targeted” and domestic violence-related.

Family revelations about McKee’s abuse have amplified the narrative. Misleh’s accounts portray a man who inflicted psychological harm, with Monique describing how it altered her fundamentally. Domestic violence experts, such as those from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, note that emotional abuse—characterized by manipulation, isolation, and threats—often precedes physical violence. In Ohio, where domestic incidents have risen 10% since 2020, this case highlights the need for better recognition of non-physical red flags.

McKee waived extradition on January 12 and is en route to Franklin County for arraignment. He faces life imprisonment if convicted, with prosecutors confident in their evidence, including the weapon recovery and video footage. His attorney has not commented publicly.

The community continues to mourn the Tepes. A memorial service drew hundreds, and a GoFundMe for the children has exceeded $200,000. As one advocate stated, “Emotional abuse is the silent killer—this case brings it to light.”

As the trial looms, the phone call may prove crucial, offering a window into McKee’s state of mind. For now, the focus is on justice and support for the survivors.