Investigators cite surveillance leads and a multistate search after the Dec. 30 slayings in Columbus.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio authorities are arranging to bring Michael David McKee to Franklin County after the Illinois court appearance where he waived extradition in the killings of Monique and Spencer Tepe. The physician, 39, is charged with two counts of aggravated murder in the couple’s deaths inside their Weinland Park home on Dec. 30.
Police say patrol officers went to the house for a wellness check when Spencer Tepe, a neighborhood dentist, missed work and coworkers could not reach him. Two children were found unharmed inside. Investigators documented no forced entry, no theft and an orderly scene that complicated early leads. Detectives later collected surveillance images from nearby streets that showed a person and a vehicle around the time shots were heard. That vehicle, authorities said, helped them focus on McKee, Monique Tepe’s former husband who had been living and working in Illinois. He was arrested over the weekend and held in Winnebago County before Monday’s brief hearing cleared the path to return him to Columbus.
At the Illinois hearing, McKee confirmed his identity to the judge and agreed to return to Ohio. A public defender told the court McKee plans to plead not guilty once the case is filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Prosecutors in Ohio said they are preparing grand jury materials and coordinating with the sheriff to transport McKee. Investigators have not announced a motive. They have not recovered the gun used in the shootings and have not named additional suspects. Relatives from both families have asked for privacy while praising the couple’s work and devotion to their children, who are now with loved ones.
Records show Monique Tepe and McKee divorced in 2017. After the split, she married Spencer, who practiced dentistry in Columbus and was known in the community for treating families in and around Weinland Park. Homicides in the city surged in recent years before falling last year, but police say domestic histories often factor into violent incidents reviewed by detectives. In this case, investigators described a targeted attack carried out in a residential block a short walk from busy North High Street. The lack of forced entry and the children’s safety narrowed the timelines detectives are testing against digital and physical evidence.
Once McKee is booked at the Franklin County jail, prosecutors expect to present the case to a grand jury. An indictment would be followed by an arraignment at which a judge would consider bond, appoint counsel if needed, and set deadlines for discovery and motions. Investigators are continuing to canvass for additional doorbell video and to analyze phone and location data. Police supervisors said periodic updates will be released after the transport is complete and the first Ohio court date is on the calendar.
As the legal steps advance, neighbors are keeping a small memorial along the block—flowers, handwritten notes and a pair of candles flickering beside a dusting of winter salt. “This hit everyone hard,” said a resident who brought a bouquet after work. Another neighbor said she never saw unusual activity late Dec. 29, but heard sirens the next morning. A former patient recalled Spencer Tepe’s chairside manner and the routines that eased anxious children. Friends described Monique as steady and thoughtful, the kind of parent who remembered birthdays and field trips.
McKee will remain in custody until Ohio deputies assume transport. A first appearance in Columbus is expected soon after he is booked into the Franklin County jail; officials said scheduling details will be announced upon his arrival.
Author note: Last updated 2026-01-13.