Police Chief Drops Chilling Hint at Possible Motive in Brutal Ohio Dentist and Wife Mu::rders — A Disturbing Theory Is Beginning to Take Shape

Michael David McKee has been arrested in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe

Police in Ohio say they have an idea of what led to the murders of Monique and Spencer Tepe in the couple’s home last last month.

Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were fatally shot in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, just a few feet away from their young children, ages 4 and 1.

Investigators arrested Monique’s ex-husband Michael David McKee, whom she divorced nearly a decade ago, on Jan. 10. He was arrested in Rockford, Ill., a nearly 500 mile drive from the couple’s Columbus, Ohio home.

Investigators have largely kept the details of the case under wraps, but at a press conference this week, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant alluded to what could’ve led to the shocking killings.

“This was a targeted attack,” Bryant alleged. “This was a domestic violence-related attack.”

Police declined to explicitly state a motive when asked during the press conference.

Bryant’s statement echoes what the Tepes’ family members had suspected from early on in the investigation.

Monique had been “terrified” of McKee, says Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister.

He’d heard stories from Monique about McKee’s alleged emotional abuse which he says “changed her as a person,” Misleh tells PEOPLE.

Monique also allegedly told Misleh that McKee had threatened her life several times during their marriage, which lasted less than two years.

McKee has not been charged in connection with the allegations of emotional abuse or threats; a public defender currently representing him in Illinois did not respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comments on the allegations.

A Columbus police officer adjusts crime scene tape after officers responded to 1411 N. 4th St. where they found Monique and Spencer Tepe dead at the residence.
Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Investigators tracked McKee to Illinois through surveillance footage, which showed a vehicle near the Tepes’ residence during the window they believe the killings occurred.

McKee, who was arrested on murder charges, now faces upgraded charges of aggravated murder. He is set to be extradited to Ohio to be arraigned on the charges.

His public defender said during a court appearance this week that he plans on pleading not guilty.