A Chicago-area discovery has led to charges being filed in the mysterious murders of Ohio dentist and his wife. A days-long search for the suspect allegedly involved in the murders led investigators across several state lines to Illinois.
Michael McKee, of Chicago, was arrested in Rockford and is now charged in the murders of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her dentist husband, Spencer Tepe, court documents obtained by ABC Columbus affiliate WSYX showed.
A Chicago police cruiser sat outside of McKee’s home in Lincoln Park for hours after he was arrested in Rockford, accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband over the holidays. ABC7 spoke to some of his neighbors who were stunned by the allegations.
McKee’s residence was listed as an address in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, in the 2100 block of North Lincoln Park West, Ohio police court documents showed.
“He did not seem like somebody that would do something like this,” said Gera-Lind Kolarik one of the suspect’s Lincoln Park neighbors. “You never know. You meet people everywhere, and you don’t know if they’re a serial killer.”
Court records showed McKee and Monique Tepe divorced in 2017.
Monique and Spencer Tepe were found shot to death in their home on Dec. 30, Columbus police said. Their two young children were found safe inside.
“This case is definitely disturbing,” Police Chief Elaine Bryant told Columbus ABC affiliate WSYX.
Authorities said they believe the couple was killed between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on their home’s second floor.
Earlier this week, police released video of a person of interest. Police said the video showed an individual walking in an alley near the victims’ house during that 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. timeframe.
Detectives were able to identify McKee as a suspect through Columbus neighborhood surveillance and tracked his vehicle down in Rockford, located about 79 miles northwest of Chicago, court documents showed.
A luxury condominium building in Lincoln Park is now full of sudden shock following a multi-state search for an alleged killer.
“I sat down with this man, and talked with him at the pool, barbecuing, about what a beautiful day it is, and then he turns out to be a killer. It’s kind of shocking,” Kolarik said. “How do you explain to a child that mom and dad are here one day and gone the next… Those are the real victims of this whole case, are the children.”
McKee is being held in custody in the Winnebago County jail. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
The Tepes’ family and friends will come together on Sunday for a celebration of life service.
The Tepe family issued the following statement in response to the arrest Saturday:
“Today’s arrest represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer. Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon, but we are grateful to the City of Columbus Police Department, its investigators, and assisting law enforcement community whose tireless efforts helped to capture the person involved.
“We thank the community for the continued support, prayers, and compassion shown throughout this tragedy. As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable.
“Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind. We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.”
ABC News contributed to this report.
