In the wake of vascular surgeon Dr. Michael David McKee’s arrest for the alleged premeditated murders of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe, new details from his defense team have emerged, shedding light on the profound emotional scars McKee reportedly carried from the abrupt end of his marriage. According to statements attributed to his legal counsel, McKee experienced devastating heartbreak when he returned home one day to find the house completely empty—his wife had left without warning, taking her belongings and initiating divorce proceedings unilaterally through the courts. The attorney further claimed that Monique had engaged in an affair, contributing to the sudden abandonment that left McKee reeling and profoundly traumatized.

This narrative contrasts sharply with accounts from Monique’s family, who have described McKee as emotionally abusive during their brief union, with Monique living in fear long after the split. The defense’s portrayal seeks to humanize McKee, framing his alleged actions not as cold calculation but as the tragic outcome of unresolved pain from a betrayal that shattered his life nearly a decade earlier.

McKee, 39, and Monique Tepe (then Sabaturski), 39 at the time of her death, married on August 22, 2015, in Ohio. What began as a promising partnership between two accomplished individuals quickly unraveled. Court records indicate the couple separated in March 2016 after only about seven months of living together. Monique filed for divorce in May 2017, citing incompatibility, and the decree was finalized in June 2017 with no spousal support awarded and no children involved. A standard mutual restraining order was part of the proceedings, common in such cases to protect assets during dissolution.

The defense highlights the suddenness of the departure: McKee allegedly came home to an empty residence, with Monique having moved out without prior discussion or confrontation. This shock, combined with claims of her involvement in an extramarital affair, reportedly left McKee in a state of deep emotional distress. His lawyer has emphasized this as a pivotal moment of betrayal and loss, suggesting it created lasting psychological wounds that lingered far beyond the legal finality of the divorce.

Despite the brevity of the marriage, earlier glimpses into their relationship—through surfaced photos—show moments of apparent joy. Images from their wedding day depict the couple smiling radiantly, surrounded by family and friends in celebration. Casual snapshots capture them sharing laughs at social events and enjoying everyday life, painting a picture of initial happiness before tensions arose. These visuals serve as a reminder that the union held genuine affection at its start, making the eventual breakdown all the more painful for those involved.

After the divorce, Monique rebuilt her life. She met Spencer Tepe online, and the two married in December 2020. Spencer, 37, was a successful Columbus dentist known for his kindness, community involvement—including volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters—and love for sports like the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes. The couple welcomed two children, a daughter now 4 and a son now 1, and were described by loved ones as “madly in love,” still acting like newlyweds even after years together.

The double homicide unfolded on December 30, 2025, just days before the Tepes’ fifth wedding anniversary. Spencer failed to arrive at work, prompting colleagues to request a wellness check. Police discovered the couple fatally shot in their Weinland Park home, with the children and family dog unharmed in nearby rooms. No forced entry was noted, and no weapon was recovered at the scene.

A 10-day manhunt followed, fueled by surveillance footage of a hooded figure in an alley near the home during the early morning hours. Investigators traced a suspicious vehicle seen arriving shortly before and departing after the estimated time of the shootings to McKee. He was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, where he worked at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. A firearm recovered from his residence reportedly matched evidence, leading to initial murder charges upgraded to two counts of premeditated aggravated murder.

McKee waived extradition during a brief court appearance in Illinois, appearing calm in a yellow jumpsuit. His public defender stated he would plead not guilty and remain silent. He is expected to face trial in Franklin County, Ohio, with potential penalties including life without parole or the death penalty.

The defense’s focus on McKee’s trauma from the “abandonment” and alleged affair adds a layer of complexity to the motive speculation. Family members of Monique have countered with accounts of emotional abuse and ongoing fear, with one brother-in-law noting she was “terrified” of McKee and would have done anything to escape the relationship. No prior police reports of incidents between them post-divorce were found, though a mutual restraining order existed during proceedings.

The hospital’s swift removal of McKee’s entire professional profile from its website underscored institutional distancing from the scandal. OSF Saint Anthony issued a brief statement of cooperation with authorities.

This case has gripped the public, raising questions about long-buried resentments, the impact of relationship trauma, and how past betrayals can resurface in devastating ways. The Tepes’ loved ones have emphasized honoring the couple’s loving legacy and supporting their orphaned children. As proceedings move forward, the defense’s portrayal of McKee as a man deeply wounded by sudden loss and infidelity contrasts with the prosecution’s evidence of premeditation, setting the stage for a highly emotional trial.

The tragedy serves as a somber exploration of how personal heartbreak can fester over years, potentially leading to irreversible consequences. With McKee now in custody and the facts continuing to unfold, the focus remains on justice for Monique and Spencer while acknowledging the profound pain that preceded the horror.