Tragic Ohio Shooting Leaves Infant Stranded for Hours After Parents' Murder
In a harrowing domestic violence incident, an Ohio dentist and his wife were fatally shot inside their Columbus home, likely leaving their infant son stranded and crying in his crib for hours. Spencer Tepe, 39, and Monique Tepe, 37, were killed in the early morning hours of December 30, leaving behind their two young children, three-year-old Emilia and one-year-old Beckham.
Children Discovered After Friend's Concern
When a friend of Spencer Tepe arrived at the $700,000 property later that morning, concerned about his absence from work, he reported hearing children crying inside to a 911 dispatcher. Rob Misleh, married to Spencer's sister, revealed that the friend likely heard 17-month-old Beckham's distress.
'[He] was in the crib and was unable to get out of the crib on his own and also it was at a time he would've been well awake by this time,' Misleh explained, noting the child had been without food for an extended period before police arrived.
Fortunately, family members believe neither child witnessed the double homicide, as both had separate bedrooms. 'From the time frame that we know, 2am to 5am [when police say the murders took place], the kids would've been in their beds, so we assume that... they did not see anything,' Misleh stated.
Ex-Husband Arrested and Charged
Authorities identified the suspect as Michael McKee, 39, Monique's ex-husband, who allegedly entered the home and opened fire, striking Spencer multiple times and hitting Monique at least once in the chest. McKee was apprehended at a fast food restaurant near Chicago on January 10 and formally indicted in Franklin County, Ohio.
The Illinois surgeon now faces serious charges including:
- Four counts of aggravated murder with an automatic firearm and silencer
- One charge of aggravated burglary
After waiving his extradition hearing in Illinois, McKee was transferred to Ohio and booked into Franklin County Jail. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant confirmed surveillance cameras tracked McKee from the murder scene to his vehicle, and he still possessed the alleged murder weapon when arrested.
'Multiple weapons were taken from the property of McKee, and there is a preliminary link to one of the weapons that ties it to the homicides,' Bryant stated, emphasising this was 'a targeted attack' and 'a domestic violence-related attack.'
Troubled History and Legal Complications
Records reveal McKee married Monique in 2015, but the couple divorced just seven months later, with Monique citing incompatibility. Their separation agreement included a requirement for Monique to repay $1,281.59 in miscellaneous debt, with a 23 percent interest clause if unpaid by July 2018.
Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer suggested 'deep-seated resentment and hatred' may have motivated the 'very personal' crime, noting the timing coincided with the Tepes' upcoming anniversary. Family members described McKee as a 'monster' who was emotionally abusive during the brief marriage.
Despite building a medical career across four states, McKee faced multiple legal challenges:
- A civil rights and medical negligence lawsuit filed in June 2024
- An active medical malpractice suit scheduled for jury trial
- Difficulty being contacted for legal proceedings, with provided addresses non-existent and phone numbers leading to fax machines
Forensic scientist Joseph Scott Morgan speculated this evasion might indicate McKee was attempting to disguise himself, behaviour consistent with someone trying to avoid investigators or lawsuits.
Family Support and Legacy
As relatives care for the orphaned children, they're consulting professionals about how to discuss the tragedy. 'If [Emilia] wants to talk about it, we are to encourage that,' explained Spencer's cousin, Audrey Mackie, acknowledging the long processing journey ahead.
The Tepes were remembered as devoted parents who loved travel and laughter. Spencer, an Ohio State University graduate and American Dental Association member working at Athens Dental Depot, was a loyal Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals fan. Monique, also an Ohio State alum with an education background, was described as a 'loving, patient, and joyful mother whose warmth defined her.'
A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $233,000 to support the children, stating: 'The abrupt loss of Spencer and Monique has changed daily life in ways that are still unfolding. This fund exists to help provide stability and care for their children and the immediate family members who are supporting them during this time.'
