Authorities say a combination of surveillance footage, vehicle tracking, and routine investigative work led police to identify Michael McKee, a surgeon and ex-husband, in the fatal shootings of an Ohio dentist and his wife.

The case, which shocked both medical and local communities, centers on the deaths of Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe, who were found shot to death inside their home in Columbus.

A Welfare Check Turns Deadly

Police were called to the couple’s residence after concerns were raised when Spencer Tepe failed to show up for work. During a welfare check, officers discovered both victims deceased inside the home.

Their two young children were found unharmed, a detail that added to the emotional weight of the case and intensified the urgency of the investigation.

Surveillance Footage Becomes the Key

According to investigators, one of the earliest breakthroughs came from surveillance cameras in the neighborhood.

Police say footage captured a vehicle arriving near the home shortly before the killings and leaving soon afterward. Detectives began tracking the vehicle’s movements frame by frame, narrowing down its make, model, and travel pattern.

This evidence became central to identifying a suspect.

Tracing the Vehicle Across State Lines

Authorities say the vehicle was later located in Rockford, hundreds of miles away from the Ohio crime scene.

Further investigation linked the vehicle to Michael McKee, a surgeon who had previously been married to Monique Tepe. Court records show the couple divorced years earlier.

Police emphasized that this connection alone did not establish guilt but was significant enough to warrant deeper scrutiny.

From Ex-Husband to Prime Suspect

Once McKee was identified as the registered owner of the vehicle seen near the scene, investigators began assembling additional evidence.

Detectives reviewed travel timelines, surveillance data, and other records to determine whether McKee’s movements aligned with the window in which the murders occurred.

Authorities say the evidence supported probable cause, leading to McKee’s arrest in Illinois.

Arrest and Charges

McKee was taken into custody without incident and is now facing two counts of murder.

Prosecutors have not publicly detailed a motive, and police stress that the investigation remains ongoing. McKee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Extradition proceedings are underway to return him to Ohio to face the charges.

Community Shock and Disbelief

Friends, neighbors, and colleagues described both victims as devoted parents and respected professionals.

In the days following the arrest, members of the community expressed disbelief that someone with a medical career could be linked to such a violent crime.

One neighbor later told reporters they had spoken casually with McKee in the past, adding to the unsettling nature of the allegations.

Why the Case Resonated Nationwide

The case drew national attention due to several factors:

The victims’ professions in healthcare

The alleged involvement of an ex-spouse

The survival of the couple’s young children

The role of surveillance technology in solving the case

Experts note that modern homicide investigations increasingly rely on digital and surveillance evidence, often turning seemingly ordinary footage into decisive proof.

What Happens Next

McKee is expected to be extradited to Ohio for arraignment, where formal proceedings will begin.

Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek additional charges or enhancements.

For now, investigators continue reviewing evidence as the legal process moves forward.

A Case Still Unfolding

While police say the arrest marks a major milestone, the case is far from over.

Court proceedings will ultimately determine responsibility, but for the families involved, the loss of Spencer and Monique Tepe has already left a permanent void.