In a chilling development in the double homicide case that has gripped central Ohio, authorities revealed on January 14, 2026, that Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old surgeon and ex-husband of victim Monique Tepe, was found in possession of a firearm matching the one used in the fatal shootings of Monique and her husband, Spencer Tepe. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant confirmed during a press briefing that the weapon was among multiple firearms discovered at McKee’s property in Illinois following his arrest. This revelation comes as family members of the victims publicly accused McKee of emotional abuse during his brief marriage to Monique, painting a picture of a controlling relationship that may have culminated in the “targeted” domestic violence attack.

The tragic events unfolded on December 30, 2025, when Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were found dead from gunshot wounds in the master bedroom of their home in the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Columbus’s Weinland Park neighborhood. The couple’s two young children—a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son—were discovered unharmed but crying in another room, along with the family dog. No signs of forced entry or theft were reported, leading investigators to classify the incident as a targeted killing rather than a random crime or murder-suicide. Chief Bryant emphasized in her briefing that “this was a domestic violence-related attack,” noting McKee’s status as Monique’s ex-husband as a key factor.

McKee was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, where he worked as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. The arrest followed a multi-state manhunt initiated after video footage captured a figure resembling McKee walking down a dark alley near the Tepes’ home on the night of the murders. His vehicle was also identified traveling in the vicinity, providing crucial leads. During a search of McKee’s property, police recovered several firearms, one of which preliminarily matched ballistic evidence from the crime scene through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). “We have evidence of him coming and going in that particular vehicle,” Bryant told reporters, adding that the weapon’s discovery strengthened the case against him.

McKee, who appeared in court in Illinois on January 12, waived extradition and is being returned to Franklin County, Ohio, to face two counts of premeditated aggravated murder. His return was delayed slightly due to procedural issues, but he is expected to enter a plea soon. Court records show no prior criminal history for McKee, but his professional life has come under scrutiny. He lost his medical license in 2024 amid unrelated misconduct allegations, though details remain sealed. An attorney for McKee has not been publicly identified, and he has not issued a statement.

Family members of the victims have been vocal about McKee’s alleged behavior during his marriage to Monique, which lasted only seven months before ending in divorce in 2017. Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, told NBC News that Monique had confided in him about McKee’s emotional abuse, describing how it took a severe toll on her mental health. “It wasn’t like she had just completely forgotten about him,” Misleh said. “She would talk quite often about how terrified she was of him and how much he messed with her mental health.” Misleh added that Monique was “willing to do anything” to escape the relationship, highlighting her determination to move on after the split. The couple did not have children together, but Monique’s fears persisted, as evidenced by a 2022 restraining order she filed against McKee citing harassment.

Experts in domestic violence have weighed in on the case, noting patterns of coercive control that often precede physical violence. Laura Richards, a criminologist speaking on NewsNation, described McKee’s alleged actions as a “drip, drip, drip” of controlling and abusive behavior, emphasizing that emotional and psychological abuse is frequently overlooked until it escalates. “Often, people don’t see the psychological and emotional; people look for the physical abuse,” Richards said. Psychologist Carol Pettler added that Monique’s words to family indicated “tremendous emotional growth through trial and error,” suggesting she had been on a journey to heal from the trauma.

The Tepes were well-regarded in their community. Spencer, a dentist who owned a practice in Columbus, was described by colleagues as dedicated and kind-hearted. His absence from work on December 30 prompted friends to call for a welfare check, leading to the discovery of the bodies. Monique, who worked in healthcare administration before becoming a stay-at-home mother, was active in local parenting groups. The couple, married since 2021, left behind their young children, who are now in the care of relatives. A GoFundMe campaign for the children’s future has raised over $150,000, reflecting widespread community support.

The investigation has been thorough, involving digital forensics, surveillance analysis, and interstate cooperation. Columbus police worked with Illinois authorities to execute the arrest, and the hospital where McKee worked has cooperated fully. Chief Bryant confirmed that the killings were not random, reiterating the domestic violence angle. “What we can say, this was a targeted attack,” she stated.

This case highlights broader issues of domestic violence in the U.S., where emotional abuse often precedes physical harm. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in four women experiences severe intimate partner violence, and emotional manipulation is a common tactic. Advocates like those at Vox have called for greater recognition of non-physical abuse in legal proceedings. In Ohio, where the murders occurred, domestic violence incidents have risen 10% since 2020, per state data, prompting calls for enhanced protections.

McKee’s professional life adds another layer. As a vascular surgeon, he was once seen as a rising star, but his license revocation in 2024 stemmed from unrelated issues, details of which remain confidential. His move to Illinois followed the career setback, but the arrest has now thrust his personal life into the spotlight.

Family and friends of the Tepes continue to mourn. Misleh told reporters that Monique’s escape from the marriage was hard-won, and her happiness with Spencer was a testament to her resilience. “She just had to get away from him,” he said of McKee. A memorial service for the couple is planned for late January, with community vigils already held in Columbus.

As McKee awaits trial, legal experts predict a complex case involving digital evidence and witness testimonies. Prosecutors in Franklin County are building on the ballistic match and video footage, aiming for a swift resolution. McKee faces life imprisonment if convicted.

The tragedy has sparked conversations about recognizing abuse signs and supporting survivors. As one advocate noted, “Stories like this remind us that emotional scars can lead to deadly outcomes.” For now, the focus remains on justice for Monique and Spencer, and care for their children left behind.