The family speaks out about abuse and death threats in Monique’s marriage

The shocking double murder of Spencer Tepe, a beloved 37-year-old dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, in their Columbus, Ohio home has gripped the nation, especially after the arrest of Monique’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee. On December 30, 2025, the couple was found shot to death in their Weinland Park residence, their two young children—a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old—miraculously unharmed and still in the house. The discovery came after concerned friends and colleagues raised alarms when Spencer failed to appear for work and attempts to reach the couple went unanswered. A 911 call from a friend who entered the home reported seeing a body and blood, prompting a swift police response.

The case quickly escalated into a high-profile investigation, with Columbus police releasing surveillance footage of a person of interest in a hooded jacket walking near the home around the time of the killings. For more than 10 days, a manhunt unfolded across state lines, drawing national attention to the seemingly idyllic lives of the victims and the dark shadow cast by a long-ago divorce.

Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon who had been living in Chicago, Illinois, was arrested on January 10, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, after authorities traced a vehicle linked to the crime scene back to him. He was initially charged with two counts of murder, and the charges were later upgraded to premeditated aggravated murder, indicating prosecutors believe the killings involved prior calculation and design. McKee waived extradition during a brief court appearance in Winnebago County, Illinois, paving the way for his transfer back to Ohio to face trial.

McKee and Monique Tepe (then Monique Sabaturski) married on August 22, 2015, in Ohio. Their union was brief and turbulent, lasting less than two years. Monique filed for divorce in May 2017, citing incompatibility, and the decree was finalized in June 2017. Court records show no children from the marriage and no spousal support awarded. At the time of the filing, McKee was living in Virginia, pursuing a surgical residency, while Monique resided in Westerville, Ohio. The divorce appeared amicable on paper, with no documented major disputes or restraining orders.

However, emerging accounts from those close to Monique paint a far darker picture of the relationship. Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, has spoken publicly about the family’s devastation and shared heartbreaking details about Monique’s marriage to McKee. According to Misleh, Monique confided in him that the relationship was profoundly abusive. She described it as “a nightmare relationship,” marked by emotional abuse and repeated threats to her life. Monique reportedly told family members that McKee’s controlling and menacing behavior created an environment of constant fear, contributing to her decision to end the marriage swiftly.

These revelations add a chilling layer to the case, suggesting possible long-simmering resentment despite the passage of nearly nine years since the divorce. Experts and former law enforcement officials have speculated that a trigger—perhaps related to Monique’s happy second marriage, her family life, or some unresolved personal grievance—may have reignited old animosities. One retired police chief noted that such delayed revenge attacks, while rare, can stem from deep-seated hatred that festers over time. The short duration of the marriage—roughly seven months of cohabitation in some accounts—makes the alleged motive even more perplexing to observers, yet it underscores how toxic dynamics can leave lasting scars.

Monique and Spencer Tepe’s love story stood in stark contrast to her past. The couple met online and married in December 2020, building a warm, joyful home filled with laughter and love for their two children. Friends and family described Spencer as a devoted father, a skilled dentist who cared deeply for his patients, and a friend to everyone he met. Monique was remembered as a patient, loving mother whose warmth touched all who knew her. Their obituary highlighted them as “the life of the party” and “generous with kind hearts.” They were just weeks away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary when tragedy struck.

The children, now orphaned, are in the loving care of relatives, surrounded by a supportive network stepping up to ensure their well-being. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help provide for their future needs. In statements released after McKee’s arrest, the Tepe family expressed gratitude to the Columbus Police Department for their tireless efforts, calling the apprehension “an important step toward justice.” They emphasized that while nothing can undo the devastating loss, they trust the justice system to hold the responsible party accountable. The family continues to honor Monique and Spencer’s memory, carrying forward the love they shared as they protect and nurture the children left behind.

McKee, a high-achieving professional who graduated from Ohio State University for both undergraduate and medical school, had no prior criminal record. Neighbors in his Chicago condominium complex expressed shock at the allegations, with one describing casual conversations with him as ordinary and friendly. The contrast between his public persona as a respected surgeon and the accusations has left many reeling.

As the case proceeds, questions about motive remain central. Police have not publicly detailed all evidence, but the vehicle tracking, surveillance links, and McKee’s possession of the car before and after the incident formed key parts of the probable cause. The investigation continues, with authorities urging discretion to avoid compromising the ongoing proceedings.

The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about domestic abuse, the long-term impacts of emotional violence, and the unpredictability of resentment in failed relationships. For the Tepe family and community, the focus remains on healing and remembrance. Spencer and Monique’s lives, though cut short, were defined by kindness, love, and devotion—qualities that endure in the hearts of those they left behind.