Columbus, Ohio — A 39-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with the double homicide of his ex-wife and her husband, who were shot to death inside their home just before New Year’s. Michael David McKee was apprehended in Illinois, facing two murder charges after authorities allege he killed Monique and Spencer Tepe while their young children were also in the house.
McKee’s arrest occurred around noon, following a sad turn of events that began on December 30 when friends of the couple became concerned after Spencer failed to report for work. They discovered the bodies around 9 a.m. after making multiple calls to 911, leading to an urgent welfare check.
Court documents indicate that the Tepe couple was found with Spencer, 37, suffering multiple gunshot wounds and Monique, 39, shot at least once in the chest. Their two children, aged 4 and 1, were unharmed but witnessed the horrific incident, according to police reports.
Monique married McKee in 2015, and divorce proceedings began in May 2017, with records showing that the split was amicable. Since the divorce, McKee has lived in multiple states, including Virginia and Nevada, before residing in Illinois, where he worked as a vascular surgeon.
Neighbors reported a violent disturbance the day of the killings, with one resident contacting authorities to report that someone was aggressively banging on her door in the early morning hours. Despite the evidence of turmoil, police found no signs of forced entry, nor did they recover a weapon from the scene.
Authorities are still determining a motive behind the shooting but have released surveillance footage showing a person of interest in the vicinity of the Tepe residence during the early hours preceding the murders. Investigators quickly identified McKee’s vehicle, which had been seen in the neighborhood before leaving for Rockford, Illinois.
The Tepe family released a statement expressing their deep sorrow following the tragic loss, emphasizing their commitment to honoring the couple’s memory and ensuring the well-being of the children left behind. They thanked the community for its support during this difficult time.
Currently, McKee remains in custody in Illinois, pending extradition to Ohio. He is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday, where further proceedings regarding the charges against him will unfold. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the shocking loss of two lives cut short in an act of violence.