In the quiet Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, a young family’s life was brutally cut short on December 30, 2025. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old respected dentist known for his empathy and dedication to patients and family, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, a warm, devoted stay-at-home mother, were found fatally shot in their home. Their two small children—a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old—were discovered unharmed just feet away from their parents’ bodies, crying in the aftermath of the horror.

The couple’s last moments were marked by unimaginable courage. In what authorities and family describe as a targeted domestic violence-related attack, Spencer and Monique used their final breaths to beg for the safety of their children. Their plea—”Please don’t hurt the two children”—captures the raw, instinctive love of parents facing the unthinkable. This desperate cry has since haunted investigators, loved ones, and the community, underscoring the depth of their selflessness amid terror.

The suspect, Michael David McKee, 39, Monique’s ex-husband from a marriage that ended in 2017, was arrested in Illinois days later and charged with two counts of premeditated aggravated murder. Police recovered the murder weapon and linked McKee through surveillance footage showing his vehicle near the home shortly before the killings occurred between approximately 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Authorities emphasized that nothing was stolen, there were no signs of forced entry, and the children and family dog were deliberately spared—pointing to a personal, calculated motive rooted in past domestic issues. Family members have spoken of Monique’s fear during her previous marriage, describing emotional abuse and repeated threats that led her to leave and rebuild her life with Spencer.

Spencer and Monique were remembered as the heart of their extended family. Spencer, who once got ordained to officiate weddings and delighted in playing with younger relatives, had a special bond with children. Monique brought warmth, humor, and unwavering love as a mother. Together, they created a joyful home filled with laughter—now forever silenced.

The children, though physically unharmed, face a lifetime without their parents. Relatives report the 4-year-old recently saying goodbye to “mommy and daddy,” yet carrying forward their infectious energy and light. The family has rallied around the little ones, vowing to protect and nurture them while seeking justice.

Columbus police, led by Chief Elaine Bryant, have declared the case solved with McKee as the sole suspect. He waived extradition and is expected to face trial in Ohio, where he plans to plead not guilty. The tragedy has reignited conversations about domestic violence, urging anyone in danger to seek help through confidential hotlines.

In the wake of this devastating loss, the plea of Spencer and Monique lingers as a poignant reminder of parental love’s power—even in the face of evil. Their final words were not just a cry for mercy; they were a testament to a bond that death cannot erase. The community mourns two lives taken too soon, while holding tight to the hope that the children they shielded will grow up surrounded by the same love their parents gave so freely.