In a heartbreaking twist that has shocked the Columbus community, the final text messages exchanged between Monique Tepe and her ex-husband, Michael David McKee, are now central to the investigation into the brutal shooting deaths of Monique and her current husband, Spencer Tepe.

The couple, both in their late 30s, were discovered lifeless in their Weinland Park home on the morning of December 30, 2025, after friends raised concerns when Spencer failed to arrive at his dental practice. Monique, 39, had been shot once in the chest, while Spencer, 37, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Their two young children—a one-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl—were found safe but crying beside their parents, along with the family dog. No signs of forced entry suggested the killer may have had access or knowledge of the home.

Authorities quickly zeroed in on McKee, Monique’s ex-husband from a brief marriage that ended in divorce in 2017 after less than two years. The couple had no children together, and the split was described as amicable at the time. However, emerging details paint a darker picture of lingering resentment. Family members have shared that during the marriage, Monique confided fears of emotional abuse and even threats to her life from McKee, though no formal reports were made public then.

The most chilling element involves the last communication: McKee reportedly sent Monique a warning message urging her to “be careful.” In response, she reassured him not to worry, sending a direct reply that now feels tragically ironic. Police are in possession of the original message content, preserved as critical evidence. These texts, combined with surveillance footage showing a vehicle linked to McKee near the home around the time of the killings, formed the backbone of the case against him.

After an intense 11-day search, McKee was apprehended in Illinois and charged with two counts of murder. He waived extradition and is expected to face proceedings in Ohio, where the charges may escalate to premeditated aggravated murder given the calculated nature suggested by investigators. Neighborhood cameras captured a figure in the alley near the Tepe residence during the narrow window of the crime, adding to the mounting evidence trail.

The Tepe family has expressed profound grief but no surprise at McKee’s arrest, with some close relatives noting long-held suspicions. Spencer was remembered as a dedicated dentist, mentor, and loving father, while Monique was described as a warm, patient mother devoted to her children. The couple had just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary weeks earlier, building a joyful life together after Monique’s previous chapter closed.

This case underscores the hidden dangers that can linger from past relationships, even years later. As the investigation continues and McKee prepares for trial, the community mourns the loss of two vibrant lives and rallies around the orphaned children. The preserved texts serve as a haunting reminder: sometimes the final words carry the heaviest weight.