In a case that has gripped the nation with its tragic twists, the long-awaited breakthrough in the deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, has finally arrived. Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband and a 39-year-old vascular surgeon based in Chicago, was arrested over the weekend in Illinois on two counts of murder. Charges have since been upgraded to aggravated murder with premeditation, signaling a calculated act rather than a crime of passion.

The couple was discovered shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio, home on the morning of December 30, 2025. Friends raised the alarm after Spencer, a respected dentist, failed to appear for work—an unusual occurrence that prompted a wellness check. Officers found the pair on the second floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Remarkably, their two young children, ages 4 and 1, were unharmed and still in the house.

Investigators quickly zeroed in on surveillance footage from the neighborhood, which captured a suspicious vehicle linked to the time of the killings (believed to be between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.). This critical clue led authorities to McKee, who waived extradition in an Illinois court on Monday and is expected to be returned to Ohio soon. He appeared emotionless during his initial hearing and intends to plead not guilty.

McKee and Monique were married for roughly two years before divorcing in 2017. While details of their separation remain private, family members have hinted at a troubled past, describing McKee as emotionally controlling and someone who left lasting psychological scars on Monique. She reportedly expressed fear of him at times. No forced entry was noted at the crime scene, raising questions about how the intruder gained access.

The motive remains a key mystery. Authorities have not disclosed specifics, but the premeditated nature of the charges suggests planning. McKee’s professional life has also come under scrutiny, with reports of prior professional issues, though unrelated to the crimes.

Tonight at 8 p.m. local time, Columbus police are scheduled to hold a press conference, potentially unveiling more evidence, timelines, or even addressing the lingering question: Why would a successful surgeon allegedly target his ex and her new family? The community mourns the loss of a dedicated dentist and his wife, while the children’s future hangs in the balance amid this heartbreaking ordeal. As extradition proceeds, the full story may finally emerge—bringing answers, if not closure, to a devastated family and a stunned public.