The tragic double murder of Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe in their Columbus, Ohio, home on December 30, 2025, has captivated the nation, with Monique’s ex-husband, vascular surgeon Dr. Michael David McKee, accused of the premeditated killings. Amid the shocking allegations and the rapid erasure of McKee’s professional profile from his hospital’s website, a new layer has emerged: contrary to accounts from some friends and family portraying Monique and McKee’s brief marriage as troubled from the start, newly surfaced photos and details reveal moments of genuine happiness and affection during their time together.

Monique Tepe (née Sabaturski), 39 at the time of her death, and Michael David McKee, 39, married on August 22, 2015, in Ohio. The union lasted roughly seven to eight months of cohabitation before separation in March 2016, with formal divorce proceedings beginning in May 2017 and finalizing in June 2017 on grounds of incompatibility. Court records indicate no major conflicts were documented during the divorce, which included a mutual restraining order and Monique reimbursing McKee for miscellaneous debt. The couple had no children together, and Monique was living in Westerville, Ohio, while McKee resided in Virginia, pursuing his surgical residency.

Despite the short duration and eventual dissolution, photos that have circulated online—shared widely on social media and true crime forums—depict a couple enjoying life together. One widely discussed image appears to be from their wedding day, showing Monique radiant in her bridal gown and McKee beaming beside her, capturing a moment of celebration and promise. Other snapshots reveal casual, joyful outings: the pair smiling at events, sharing laughs in social settings, and posing happily in everyday moments that suggest warmth and connection. These images contrast sharply with later narratives from Monique’s family, who described McKee as emotionally abusive and threatening during the marriage, and highlight that not all aspects were fraught with discord from the outset.

Friends of the couple from that period have recalled seeing them as a seemingly happy pair at gatherings, with McKee’s high-achieving background—Ohio State University College of Medicine graduate, National Merit Scholar, and rising star in vascular surgery—complementing Monique’s vibrant personality. The photos underscore that their relationship likely began with optimism and shared experiences, much like many marriages, before underlying issues led to separation. Monique’s emotional vows at her 2020 wedding to Spencer Tepe referenced “wrong relationships” and a “waterfall of tears” before finding true love, hinting at pain from the past without naming specifics.

This revelation of happier times adds nuance to the story. While the marriage ended amicably on paper, family members later alleged deeper problems, including threats and emotional abuse that left Monique fearful. Monique’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, described McKee as having threatened her life, and some speculated that jealousy over Monique’s subsequent happy marriage and family life with Spencer may have fueled resentment. McKee, who never remarried and moved frequently for his career—from Virginia to Maryland for fellowship, then Nevada, California, and Illinois—appeared to many observers as someone who struggled to move on.

The double homicide occurred just days before the Tepes’ fifth wedding anniversary. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist known for his kindness, fluency in Spanish, and community involvement, and Monique had met online after her divorce, marrying in December 2020. They built a loving home with their two young children—a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son—described by loved ones as “soulmates” who were “madly in love.” The couple was found shot dead in their Weinland Park home after Spencer failed to appear at work, prompting a wellness check. Their children and family dog were unharmed.

A 10-day manhunt followed, with surveillance footage showing a hooded figure in an alley near the home during the early morning hours. Investigators linked a suspicious vehicle to McKee, tracing it to Rockford, Illinois, where he worked at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. McKee was arrested on January 10, 2026, and charged initially with two counts of murder, later upgraded to premeditated aggravated murder. A firearm recovered from his residence matched ballistics evidence, and he waived extradition to Ohio, where he plans to plead not guilty.

The hospital’s overnight removal of all traces of McKee’s career—his profile, credentials, and affiliations—symbolized a swift distancing from the scandal. OSF issued a brief statement of cooperation with authorities, but the erasure fueled speculation about institutional response to the allegations.

The surfaced photos of Monique and McKee’s happier moments serve as a poignant reminder that relationships can hold layers of complexity. What began with joy and promise ended in separation, and now, tragically, in unimaginable violence. Family and friends of the Tepes have focused on honoring the couple’s love and legacy, surrounding their orphaned children with support. The case highlights the devastating impact of unresolved past grievances and the fragility of life, leaving a community grieving two vibrant individuals whose story of love with Spencer Tepe was meant to be enduring.

As the legal process unfolds, with McKee awaiting trial in Ohio, the contrast between the joyful images from Monique’s first marriage and the horror of her final days continues to resonate. It challenges simplistic narratives and underscores that even brief periods of happiness can be overshadowed by later pain and tragedy.