Newly disclosed hidden camera footage from inside the Columbus home of slain dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique Tepe has provided a harrowing window into their final moments, capturing what prosecutors say are the chilling last words of suspect Michael David McKee before the fatal shots. Released on January 13, 2026, by Franklin County authorities, the video allegedly shows McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, confronting the couple with statements like, “You can’t hide from this—I’ll make sure of it,” escalating to gunfire off-screen. The evidence, recovered from a home security device, has bolstered the case against the 39-year-old Chicago vascular surgeon, who faces premeditated aggravated murder charges potentially warranting the death penalty. As McKee awaits extradition from Illinois following his waiver on January 12, this development has amplified demands for accountability in a case marked by domestic tensions and tragedy, leaving two toddlers without parents.

The footage, approximately 90 seconds long, originates from a nanny cam disguised in the living room of the Tepes’ North Fourth Street residence in Weinland Park. It depicts a man matching McKee’s description entering calmly—without signs of forced entry—before voices rise in argument. “This is what you get for taking her away,” the audio captures, according to partial transcripts shared by the Columbus Division of Police. Gunshots ring out shortly after, though the killings occur in another room, sparing viewers the graphic visuals. Chief Elaine Bryant addressed the release in a press conference: “This video is crucial in establishing intent and timeline. We’ve redacted sensitive parts to honor the victims, but it speaks volumes about the events of December 29.” The tape’s existence was confirmed during forensic analysis of the home’s smart devices, which the Tepes used primarily for monitoring their children.

The bodies were discovered the next morning, December 30, 2025, after a welfare check around 10 a.m. Spencer, 36, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso, while Monique, 37, was shot in the chest. Their 4-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter were found safe but distressed, their presence adding layers of horror to the scene. “The kids were just steps away,” a source close to the investigation told Fox News. No weapon was recovered, and the undisturbed home ruled out robbery, directing focus to personal motives. Autopsies pegged the time of death to the evening prior, aligning with the video’s timestamp.

McKee’s apprehension on January 10 in Rockford, Illinois, stemmed from neighborhood CCTV showing his dark SUV—complete with visible plates—near the home. Phone data placed him in Columbus that night, contradicting any alibi. Held without bond, he waived extradition in a January 12 hearing, with his lawyer stating a desire for “expeditious” proceedings to plead not guilty. Transfer to Ohio is imminent, where arraignment awaits. Prosecutors upgraded to premeditated charges, citing the footage as evidence of planning. Under Ohio law, conviction could mean life without parole or execution, though the state’s de facto moratorium since 2018 makes the latter unlikely.

Divorce filings from 2017 offer context to the alleged obsession. McKee and Monique married in 2015 but divorced amicably, with no shared children or financial disputes. However, emerging details suggest McKee’s unwillingness to detach. Affidavits allege he told Monique he’d “never leave her life” and considered buying a nearby property post her 2020 marriage to Spencer. No restraining orders were sought, but family members now claim subtle harassment, like unannounced visits. McKee, a Zanesville native, moved to Chicago for his career at Northwestern Medicine, where colleagues described him as “professional” but “private.” His mugshot contrasts this image, showing a man facing life-altering accusations.

Spencer ran Tepe Family Dentistry, known for community service and affordable care. Patients called him “compassionate,” recalling his volunteer efforts at free clinics. Monique, a marketing consultant, championed children’s causes and was active in local events. Their story—a rekindled high school romance—ended in violence, but tributes paint them as devoted parents. A family statement post-release expressed mixed emotions: “This evidence is painful but necessary for justice. Monique and Spencer deserved better; their children deserve truth. We thank law enforcement and ask for privacy as we heal.”

The hidden cam’s role echoes cases like the 2023 Idaho student murders, where digital evidence proved decisive. True crime analysts on platforms like YouTube praise its clarity: “This isn’t circumstantial—it’s direct,” one commentator noted. Social media reactions range from shock—”Those words are pure evil”—to support for the family, with #JusticeForTepes trending.

A GoFundMe for the children has surpassed $250,000, funding therapy and futures. Vigils continue, with Mayor Andrew Ginther condemning: “Domestic violence claims too many. This must stop.” Advocacy groups highlight stats: One in three women face partner abuse, per the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Ohio’s 2025 spike in such homicides prompts calls for enhanced protections.

As McKee heads to trial, the footage’s words may seal his fate, transforming a hidden threat into public reckoning. For the Tepes, it’s a step toward closure in an unimaginable loss.