The emotional wedding vows of Monique Tepe, celebrating her 'lobster' and husband Spencer, took on a tragic and sinister meaning five years later. In December 2020, she spoke of 'countless bad Bumble dates' and 'wrong relationships' before finding love with the dentist. In December 2024, she and Spencer were gunned down inside their Columbus, Ohio home. Now, her ex-husband from a marriage that ended over eight years ago stands charged with their murders.
A Rapid Marriage and a Distant Divorce
Michael David McKee, 39, married Monique in August 2015. Their union was short-lived, however, with the couple separating just seven months later in March 2016. Monique filed for divorce, citing incompatibility, and the divorce was finalised in June 2017. Court records show no major conflicts or children from the marriage.
McKee, a vascular surgeon based in Rockford, Illinois—over 300 miles from the crime scene—was arrested on 12th January. His vehicle was allegedly captured on surveillance footage near the Tepes' home around the time of the murders in the early hours of 30th December. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated, premeditated murder and faces life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.
The Psychology of a Delayed Attack
With an eight-year gap between the divorce and the murders, experts highlight the unusual nature of such a delayed attack. Leading forensic psychologist Dr Gary Brucato told the Daily Mail that most spousal killings occur in the heat of the moment soon after a separation. "To wait years to ruin a person's happiness is calculated, cold-blooded, reptilian," he stated.
Dr Brucato explained motives typically fall into two categories: impulsive, emotional acts or long-brooded revenge. In cases of a long-held grudge, a 'precipitating factor' often triggers the final act. This could be something as simple as seeing an old photo, an anniversary, or a chance encounter. "They're walking around brooding, mad and delirious for a long time... then something pushes the person and then they go, 'you know what, it's time,'" Brucato said.
A Calculated Crime Scene and a Family's Suspicions
The crime scene suggested calculation. There was no sign of forced entry at the Tepes' home in the Weinland Park neighbourhood. Their two young children, aged one and four, and the family dog were left unharmed. Police had earlier released footage of a hooded figure in a nearby alley around the time of the shootings.
Dr Brucato noted that if this figure was the killer, their calm demeanour indicated a planned, detached act. A relative of the Tepes revealed the family was "not surprised" by McKee's arrest, having suspected him, though they had not spoken publicly to avoid compromising the investigation.
McKee, who is yet to enter a plea, waived his right to an extradition hearing in Illinois and will be returned to Ohio to face the charges. The case continues to unfold as authorities piece together a motive for a crime that has left a community in shock and a young family devastated.
