Columbus, Ohio – January 20, 2026 — New revelations in the high-profile double murder case involving an Ohio dentist and his wife have raised questions about premeditation, as forensic experts analyze evidence suggesting the accused ex-husband deliberately obscured his identity months before the killings.

Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon from the Chicago area, faces upgraded charges of premeditated aggravated murder in the December 30, 2025, deaths of Spencer Tepe, 37, a respected dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39. The couple was found shot to death in their Columbus home in the Weinland Park neighborhood, with their two young children—ages 4 and 1—unharmed but present in the house at the time.

McKee, Monique’s ex-husband from a brief marriage that ended in divorce in 2017, was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, following a multi-state investigation. Authorities linked him to the crime through neighborhood surveillance footage showing a person of interest near the Tepe residence in the early morning hours of December 30. A vehicle associated with McKee was tracked across state lines, leading to his arrest without incident.

Investigators have since uncovered additional details about McKee’s behavior in the months leading up to the murders. Records from a former employer revealed that McKee provided a fake address and a nonexistent phone number—described in some reports as a fax line—when updating his information. This discrepancy came to light during the probe into his movements and background.

Forensic scientist and Jacksonville State University professor Joseph Scott Morgan, speaking to media outlets, interpreted these actions as deliberate efforts to create a “disguise.” “From an investigative standpoint, it would seem to imply that there was maybe intent to disguise themselves,” Morgan explained. He suggested such deception could serve to evade detection by authorities, potential civil litigants, or others tracking his whereabouts. Morgan noted that providing inaccurate contact and residency information is a common tactic for individuals seeking to limit traceability, particularly in scenarios involving planned or anticipated scrutiny.

The fake details add to a pattern of evasion alleged in the case. McKee, a licensed physician who completed training in multiple states including Ohio, Maryland, and Illinois, reportedly changed jobs and residences frequently after his divorce from Monique. Some reports indicate he may have used similar tactics to avoid service in civil matters, including a malpractice lawsuit filed against him prior to the murders. The divorce itself was described in court records as stemming from “incompatibility” after only seven months of marriage, with no children from the union.

The Tepe murders unfolded in the early hours of December 30. Friends and colleagues of Spencer, concerned after he failed to arrive at work, requested wellness checks. A friend who entered the home discovered Spencer’s body near the bed in a pool of blood and heard the children crying. Police arrived shortly after, pronouncing both victims dead from gunshot wounds. The scene showed no signs of forced entry, fueling speculation of an inside connection.

Investigators believe the shootings occurred between approximately 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., with the couple killed on the second floor while their children slept nearby. Surveillance from an alley adjacent to the home captured a figure matching descriptions later tied to McKee. A weapon recovered from property associated with McKee in Illinois has undergone preliminary ballistic analysis, with reports indicating a match to shell casings found at the scene through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network.

Charges against McKee were escalated to include four counts of aggravated murder (with specifications for premeditation and firearm use, including a silencer) and one count of aggravated burglary. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment without parole. McKee has indicated through counsel that he intends to plead not guilty and has waived extradition from Illinois to Ohio, where he is expected to face formal proceedings soon.

The case has gripped the community and drawn national attention due to its shocking nature—a seemingly stable family targeted in their own home, with young children present but spared. Spencer Tepe was remembered as a dedicated professional who commuted over an hour to his dental practice in Athens, specializing in implants and comprehensive care. Monique, who had a background in childhood education, was described by loved ones as having moved on from a difficult past to build a loving family with Spencer. The couple, married since 2020, had celebrated their fifth anniversary shortly before the tragedy.

Friends portrayed the Tepes as deeply in love, still behaving like newlyweds despite the demands of parenthood and careers. A GoFundMe established for the children has received widespread support, reflecting the outpouring of sympathy from colleagues, neighbors, and strangers touched by the story.

Family members of Monique have spoken of her fear of McKee in the years following the divorce, describing him as emotionally abusive and controlling. Some reports suggest she was “terrified” of him, though no protective orders were documented in available records. The brief marriage and long gap before the alleged crime have left investigators and observers piecing together possible motives, with domestic history emerging as a central thread.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not publicly detailed a full motive, though the premeditated nature of the charges and evidence of planning—including the alleged identity concealment—point to calculated intent. The ballistic link, if confirmed, could prove pivotal in court.

McKee’s background as a surgeon adds complexity to the narrative. His professional life involved high-stakes training and relocations, contrasting sharply with the quiet domestic life the Tepes appeared to enjoy. The juxtaposition has fueled public fascination and speculation about what drove events to this tragic end.

For the Tepe children, now in the care of extended family, the focus remains on healing amid unimaginable loss. Memorials and tributes continue at the couple’s home, where flowers and messages reflect a community’s grief over lives cut short in such violent circumstances.

The case underscores the challenges of tracking individuals who may seek to obscure their trails, whether through inaccurate records or frequent moves. As proceedings move forward in Franklin County, the revelations about McKee’s alleged efforts to “disguise” himself serve as a stark reminder of the investigative hurdles in modern crimes.