A surgeon and ex-husband of a woman murdered alongside her dentist husband has been arrested in connection with the double homicide that occurred in Columbus, Ohio. Court records indicate that Michael David McKee, 39, was taken into custody on December 30, 2023, in the Chicago area and is facing two counts of murder.
Columbus police responded to a wellness check at a home in Weinland Park at around 10:00 a.m. on December 30. Upon arrival, officers discovered Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, both deceased from gunshot wounds. According to police, their two children were found unharmed inside the residence.
Detectives believe the killings occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on the same day. Investigators noted that there were no signs of forced entry and that no weapon was recovered at the scene.
Authorities linked McKee to the crime through surveillance footage that captured a vehicle arriving in the Tepes’ neighborhood shortly before the murders and departing shortly after. The car was later identified in Rockford, Illinois, where evidence confirmed it belonged to McKee. He was booked at the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office just before noon on the day of his arrest.
Family and Community Shocked by the Tragedy
The couple was just one month away from celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary. In a statement, Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, expressed the family’s devastation, calling the deaths “tragic and senseless.” The family described Spencer as a devoted father and a warm, welcoming individual, highlighting the couple’s deep connections with their community.
Monique and Michael McKee were married in 2015, and their divorce was finalized in 2017. Public records indicate that McKee has resided in various states, including Virginia, Nevada, and Illinois, since 2020. He currently works as a vascular surgeon in the Rockford area.
In the days leading up to the tragic incident, a 911 call was made reporting unusual noises near the Tepes’ home. A friend of the couple, conducting a wellness check, found one of the bodies and alerted authorities, stating, “There’s a body,” and describing the grim scene.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have released surveillance footage of a person of interest seen walking in an alley near the Tepes’ residence during the early morning hours of December 30. The footage shows an unidentified individual dressed in a dark coat and light-colored pants.
As the investigation unfolds, Columbus police have urged anyone with information to come forward. This case has left a significant impact on the local community, with residents expressing their shock and grief over the violent deaths of two individuals who were cherished members of their neighborhood.
This is an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
