Ex-Husband Charged With Murder in Weinland Park Homicide That Claimed Lives of Spencer and Monique Tepe

COLUMBUS — A major development has been made in the Columbus homicide investigation that claimed the lives of Spencer and Monique Tepe, a case that has deeply affected both the Columbus and Ashland County communities.

According to Columbus Dispatch Breaking News, Michael David McKee, 39, of Chicago — the ex-husband of Monique Tepe — has been formally charged with two counts of murder in connection with the Dec. 30, 2025 shootings in the Weinland Park neighborhood.

Franklin County Municipal Court records show a warrant was issued for McKee’s arrest on January 10. Jail records from the Winnebago County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office indicate McKee was taken into custody shortly before noon the same day. He is currently being held in Illinois pending extradition back to Franklin County, where the charges were filed.

Tragic deaths days before anniversary

Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot inside their home in the 1400 block of North 4th Street on the morning of Dec. 30, just days before what would have been their fifth wedding anniversary.

Columbus Police officers responded to the residence at approximately 10:04 a.m. after a welfare check was requested. Upon arrival, officers discovered both victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Columbus Fire Department Medic 7 pronounced both Spencer and Monique deceased at 10:11 a.m.

The couple’s two young children, both under the age of 5, were also found inside the home and were physically unharmed, a detail that has weighed heavily on investigators and the community alike.

Earlier investigation details

As previously reported by ACP News, investigators initially confirmed the case was being treated as a homicide. Police noted there were no obvious signs of forced entry, no firearm was recovered at the scene, and authorities stated early on they did not believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.

The investigation has been led by Detective Weiner, with assistance from Detective Miller, and remains active as the case proceeds through the court system.

Local connection to Ashland County

The case drew particular attention in Ashland County after it was confirmed that Spencer Tepe, one of the victims, had worked for years as a dentist at Stone Creek Dental in Ashland before recently transferring to Columbus. His death sent shockwaves through the local dental community and among former patients who knew him personally.

What comes next

McKee is expected to be extradited to Franklin County, where he will face the murder charges in court. Additional hearings and court proceedings are anticipated in the coming days.

ACP News will continue to closely follow this developing case and provide updates as new information becomes available.

For the full Columbus Dispatch report, visit dispatch.com.