The investigation into the double homicide of Spencer and Monique Tepe has captured both local and national attention, with numerous theories and speculations emerging. Michael McKee is currently in custody at a Winnebago County jail, accused of the murders.
Their family members confirmed to ABC 6 on Saturday that McKee is Monique Tepe’s ex-husband.
However, many questions remain unanswered. ABC 6 sat down with a criminal defense attorney to discuss what happens with the case moving forward. Brad Koffel, a criminal defense attorney who has not been retained by McKee, highlighted several unknowns in the case.
“We haven’t heard anything about DNA or fingerprints, gunshot residue, anything placing him inside the residence at the time of the killings,” Koffel said.
Columbus Police discovered the Tepes in their home on North Fourth Street on Dec. 30 after responding to a wellness check for Spencer Tepe after he failed to show up for work.
“He is always on time, and he would contact us if there were any issues whatsoever,” a 911 call made Dec. 30 revealed. “I don’t know how else to say this, but we are very, very concerned because this is out of character. And we can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
Spencer was shot multiple times, while Monique suffered at least one gunshot wound to the chest. The Tepes’ children, ages 4 and 1, were found unharmed inside the home.
Columbus Police said there were no signs of forced entry, and no gun was found nearby.
ABC 6 obtained the divorce file between Monique and McKee, which states she was granted the divorce on grounds of incompatibility.
“I had quite a journey to get to you: countless bad bumble dates, wrong relationships and waterfalls of tears,” Monique shared in her vows to Spencer in the couple’s wedding video the family shared with ABC 6.
“Yes, there’s a prior relationship, divorce history and some disputes, but those are not elements of murder,” Koffel said.
Columbus Police have yet to release a motive, instead writing on social media “So we do not compromise the active and ongoing case progress, information will be released when appropriate.”
Surveillance video released by police shows a person in a dark hoodie walking through an alley near the Tepe home between 2 and 5 a.m. Court documents indicate the killings occurred at 3:52 a.m., but police have not confirmed if McKee is the person in the video shared.
The documents also reveal that a car linked to McKee was traced arriving just before and leaving just after the murders. Detectives found the car in Rockford, Ill. and confirmed it was in McKee’s possession both before and after the deaths.
Koffel emphasized the burden of proof lies with the state.
“Did he confess? Are there any eyewitnesses?” he said.
ALSO: CPD chief reveals officer went to wrong home following initial Tepe wellness-check call
As the high-profile case continues, Koffel advised caution.
“There’s a lot that the public, the prosecutors, and especially, the investigators are gonna need to tighten up any unexplained gaps, and then the forensic scene,” he said, “I think it’s a good exercise for everyone just to pump the brakes here a little bit.”
Rob Misleh, Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law, released a family statement to ABC 6, reading:
“Today’s arrest represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer. Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken 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.”
