In the wake of the shocking double homicide of local dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, new details have surfaced about a heated family dispute that occurred just days before their deaths on December 30, 2025. Sources close to the investigation report that a brother-in-law angrily stormed out of the couple’s home following an argument over finances, leaving the front door ajar—a seemingly minor detail that has now raised questions about security and potential vulnerabilities at the scene. This revelation comes amid the arrest of Monique’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee, 39, on two counts of aggravated murder, as authorities piece together the events leading to the tragedy that left the couple’s two young children unharmed but orphaned in their Weinland Park home.

The incident unfolded in the upscale neighborhood just north of downtown Columbus, where the Tepes lived with their 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son. Police were called to the residence in the 1400 block of North 4th Street around 10 a.m. on December 30 after concerned friends and colleagues, unable to reach Spencer, requested a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies in the master bedroom, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds. The children were found crying but physically safe in another room, a detail that has haunted the community. Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant described the scene as “disturbing” in her first public comments on the case, emphasizing the impact on the young survivors. “This is a tragedy that affects not just the family but the entire city,” Bryant said during a January 9, 2026, press briefing.

Initial investigations pointed to a targeted attack, with no signs of forced entry or robbery. The front door was found unlocked, fueling speculation about how the perpetrator gained access. Now, reports of the brother-in-law’s argument provide a possible explanation. According to anonymous sources cited in local media, the dispute occurred several days prior, involving heated discussions over financial matters—potentially related to family investments or shared assets. The brother-in-law, whose identity has not been publicly confirmed but is believed to be a relative on Monique’s side, allegedly left in anger, slamming out without securing the door. This oversight, if accurate, could have left the home vulnerable, though police have not confirmed any direct link to the murders.

The brother-in-law has spoken out in interviews, sharing details about Monique’s previous marriage to McKee. In a conversation with NBC News, he described McKee as emotionally abusive during their brief union, alleging threats against Monique’s life. “She told me he had threatened her,” the brother-in-law said, adding that Monique had sought to distance herself from McKee after their divorce. These claims align with court records showing a contentious split, including disputes over custody and finances. McKee, a former doctor, was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, following a multi-state manhunt. He waived extradition during a court appearance on January 12, paving the way for his return to Franklin County to face charges. Prosecutors have not yet detailed a motive, but sources suggest it may involve lingering resentment from the divorce and Monique’s remarriage to Spencer in 2021.

Spencer Tepe was a respected figure in Columbus’s dental community. A graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, he owned Tepe Family Dentistry, a practice known for its patient-centered care. Colleagues remembered him as “kind and dedicated,” with one telling the Columbus Dispatch, “He was the type of guy who’d stay late to help anyone.” Monique, a stay-at-home mother, was active in local parenting groups and had a background in healthcare administration. The couple, married for nearly five years, celebrated their union with a destination wedding in Mexico, as shared in family photos. Their home, a modern two-story residence valued at over $500,000, was a hub for family gatherings, making the violence there all the more jarring.

The timeline of events has been a focal point. On December 29, the day before the murders, Spencer was last seen at his dental office, wrapping up appointments before the holiday break. Monique had been home with the children, according to neighbors. The argument with the brother-in-law reportedly took place earlier that week, around December 27 or 28, during a family visit. “It got loud—money was mentioned,” one neighbor told ABC affiliate WSYX, recalling raised voices audible from the street. The brother-in-law’s abrupt departure, leaving the door ajar, was noted by another resident who claimed to have seen it open for hours afterward.

Police arrived the next morning after multiple 911 calls. One frantic caller, a friend of Spencer’s, reported hearing children crying inside the locked home. Officers forced entry and discovered the scene. The children were immediately placed with relatives, where they remain under care. Family members have spoken out about the challenge of explaining the loss. “How do you tell a 4-year-old she’ll never see Mommy and Daddy again?” Spencer’s sister told People magazine in a January 6 interview. A GoFundMe for the children’s future has raised over $200,000, reflecting community support.

McKee’s arrest followed tips and digital forensics. Investigators traced his movements to Illinois, where he was apprehended without incident. Court documents reveal a history of disputes, including a 2022 restraining order filed by Monique citing harassment. McKee, who lost his medical license in 2024 amid unrelated professional misconduct allegations, had been living in Chicago. Prosecutors are building a case around cell phone data and witness statements, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for late January.

The family dispute adds a layer of complexity. While not directly implicating the brother-in-law—who has cooperated with police—it highlights potential vulnerabilities. “Ajar doors in winter? That’s unusual here,” a local security expert told the Dispatch, noting Columbus’s rising crime rates. The neighborhood, typically safe, has seen increased patrols since the incident.

Public reaction has been intense. Social media buzzes with theories, from financial motives to jealousy. True-crime podcasts like “Crime Junkie” have covered the case, drawing parallels to domestic violence patterns. Mental health advocates point to the ex-husband’s alleged abuse as a red flag, urging better protections for survivors.

The Tepe family, through spokespeople, expressed relief at the arrest but sorrow over the loss. “Justice for Spencer and Monique,” a statement read. McKee’s attorney has not commented, but he is expected to plead not guilty.

As the case heads to court, questions linger about the door and the argument. Was it a coincidence, or a clue? Investigators say all angles are explored, but the ruling stands: targeted killings. For Columbus, it’s a reminder of hidden dangers in everyday lives.

The children, now with grandparents, face an uncertain future. Community fundraisers continue, with dental associations honoring Spencer through scholarships.

In a city shaken, the Tepe murders serve as a cautionary tale. As one neighbor put it, “You think you know your community—until something like this.”