Ex-Husband Detained in Ohio Double Homicide of Dentist and Wife

Authorities in Ohio have taken Michael David McKee into custody in connection with the fatal shootings of dentist Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39. The couple were discovered dead in their Columbus home on the morning of Dec. 30, 2025, capping an investigation that now spans two states and several law-enforcement agencies.

McKee, identified by police as Monique Tepe’s ex-husband, was arrested after detectives traced a vehicle seen near the crime scene to Rockford, Illinois. He has been booked on two counts of murder and is scheduled to appear in Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday.

Surveillance Footage Leads Investigators to Illinois

Detectives reviewing neighborhood security cameras observed a vehicle arriving on the street shortly before the shootings and leaving soon after, according to a complaint filed in Franklin County. Investigators linked the vehicle to McKee and later located it in Rockford. Evidence collected in Illinois indicated that McKee had possession of the car both immediately before and immediately after the killings, the complaint states.

Columbus police have not disclosed the exact nature of the evidence, citing the ongoing investigation, but emphasized that the surveillance footage was pivotal in identifying a suspect. The department said additional information would be released “as appropriate” to avoid compromising the case.

Victims Found After Missed Work Call

Officers were sent to the Tepes’ residence after Spencer Tepe failed to report to his dental practice on Dec. 30. Responding personnel entered the home and found both victims with gunshot wounds; they were pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m. An initial assessment revealed multiple gunshot wounds to Spencer Tepe and at least one gunshot wound to Monique Tepe’s chest, according to local affiliate WSYX.

Two young children were inside the house when officers arrived. Police said the children were not harmed and are now in the care of family members. Investigators have not disclosed the children’s ages or their relationship to either victim.

Family Responds to Arrest

In a written statement, relatives of Spencer and Monique Tepe called the arrest “an important step toward justice” and expressed gratitude to investigators. The family also said it remains focused on supporting the couple’s children and preserving the memory of the two victims.

Background on the Suspect and Victim

Divorce records show that McKee and Monique Tepe married in 2015 and divorced two years later. The documents indicate the former couple did not have children together. Investigators have not discussed a possible motive, and no additional charges have been announced.

Imagem: Internet

McKee was booked into the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois prior to extradition to Ohio. Jail records list him under the name Michael David McKee; law-enforcement officials have not released his age or last known address.

Continuing Investigation

Columbus police are coordinating with agencies in Ohio and Illinois to track the suspect’s movements in the days leading up to the shooting. Detectives are also processing forensic evidence collected from the Tepes’ residence and the recovered vehicle. The department has not said whether a firearm has been recovered.

The case underscores the predominance of firearms in homicides across the United States. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, guns were used in more than three-quarters of reported murders nationwide in 2022.

Prosecutors are expected to outline the charges and present preliminary evidence during McKee’s first court appearance on Monday. If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment under Ohio’s aggravated murder statutes.

Crédito da imagem: Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office / Courtesy Rob Misleh / AP