Surgeon's Chilling Threat Preceded Double Murder of Ex-Wife and Husband
A practising surgeon allegedly told his ex-wife "I could kill you at any time" before she and her new husband were found shot dead in their family home in Columbus, Ohio, according to police documents and witness statements.
Horrific Discovery at Family Home
The bodies of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, were discovered at their residence on December 30th. A horrified friend who had stopped by for a visit made the initial discovery, with police arriving shortly afterwards to confirm the tragic scene.
Both victims were described as having been shot, with detectives noting the firearm used in the alleged murder was equipped with a silencer. Emergency services discovered the couple's two young children alive in the home, unharmed but now orphaned by the violence.
Ex-Husband Charged with Aggravated Murder
Michael McKee, Monique's ex-husband and a vascular surgeon practising in Illinois, was arrested on January 10th and has since been charged with aggravated murder and burglary. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
According to court documents, one eyewitness told detectives that the 39-year-old surgeon had threatened Monique, saying he could "kill her at any time" and "would find her and buy the house right next to her." Another witness mentioned in the affidavit told police that Monique said her ex-husband had previously choked her and forced unwanted sexual acts.
Pattern of Concerning Behaviour
CCTV footage is said to have captured McKee breaking into the couple's home while they were out on December 6th, several weeks before the murders. Monique, who was with Spencer at the Big Ten Championship college football game in Indiana that day, reportedly left early and told friends she had become upset about something involving her ex-husband.
McKee and Monique were married for approximately two years around a decade ago, with divorce documents listing "incompatibility" as the reason for their separation. Spencer Tepe, a dentist, married Monique in 2021, and the couple went on to have two children together.
Tributes to a "Perfect Couple"
In statements released by the family and friends, the couple were described as having a "beautiful, strong, and deeply happy relationship." A family statement read: "While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honouring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply."
A friend of the couple told local news: "Knowing them, seeing how friendly and welcoming they were, it's hard to believe anyone wouldn't like them. They were so friendly, they were so open, they were the perfect couple."
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings against Michael McKee move forward, with the medical professional maintaining his innocence against the serious charges he now faces.
