OH - Spencer and Monique Tepe found shot to death at home 2 children unharmed, Columbus, 30 December 2025 *ex-husband arrested*

[PipeyRella]

Is it confirmed he drove directly to their house or was he already in town visiting his family who live in the area?

we don't know yet

 

[Vaderman]

First court appearance is today at 2:30 PM EST:

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/tepe-murder-case-michael-mckee-expected-in-court-monday/

 

[stmarysmead]

That would simplify things but still presents with the same logistical problems. If he is visiting relatives, they could be too. Hadn’t they spent some time at the sisters? How did he know who would be there? How did he know there were not others IN the house that could deter him?

But the biggest question, is how did he think he could get in? He knew this part of the city. He had to know these expensive houses would be armed with all kinds of security. What gave him confidence that those devices were no deterrence to him?

Because, even being caught in the backyard in the middle of the night would be a risk to how his employers would view his mental state. Vascular surgeons have to handle the stress of an operating room and the life/death situations that might happen in a moment. If one of them is caught,
pre-Dawn skulking around his Ex from 8 years ago, the question of mental stability is going to follow.

This just doesn’t seem a lucky happenstance operation. It seems HIGHLY premeditated. That requires precise information. How would he come by that at this point in their lives? They were not heavy social media users. If the family was even just uncomfortable about their past, they are not going to be chatting and sharing anything. I doubt he’s in town enough to have a close situation with any babysitter or service provider.

Then, there’s the fact he had the gun with him. That says…’tonight’s the night’ to me. This is like a military operation. Reconnaissance, scouting, supplies, go!

Otherwise, what…just the perfect storm?,

 

[bestill]

From the affidavit -

..."This suspect was tracked to a vehicle which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides. Detectives were able to identify this vehicle further and link it to Michael McKee. Detectives located the vehicle in Rockford, Illinois and found evidence of McKee in possession of the vehicle prior to and after the homicides."

Just want to try tie a few things together to see what other ideas come to light.

One. this is charged as a PREMEDITATED murder. It was not spur-of-the-moment; it was planned. So wouldn’t a PLANNED murder have to contain an assurance that you could get into the house in the first place?

This was not some country home where one might leave the doors open and go to bed. This was in a ‘evolving’ neighborhood in a city the killer knew well. In his ‘premeditation’ he would most definitely expect this high value home for the neighborhood to have every security bell and whistle…alarm, lights, fancy locks, even a dog.

And it did.

No one, no matter how obsessed, is going to be making 10 hr round trips in the middle of the night on the off-chance that, one night, there might be a door someone forgot to lock. This was ‘premeditated’….he had to have had a pretty solid reason to believe he could get in. They could still have been at her sisters for New Years. He had to gave had the most crucial part of this murder PLANNED….the fact that they would be there…and assured entry.

So, that leads us to speculate how he could accomplish that?

First, is this killer still practicing in Chicago. If so, he can’t be driving 10 hrs every night. So he had to know that on Dec 30, he could expect them to be home, on their beds, without a party going on, or a couple of Navy Seals spending the night.

He needed very precise info.

And he needed to feel confident that he could get past all the security stuff. Who could/would give him that information? If he is this once-abusive spouse, unlikely to be relatives or close friends. How likely is it that he would know who their gardener, or babysitter might be…and get that info that way?

I don’t think we can entirely rule out M feeling pity for him, or thinking she could manage his moods as she did in the old days. That could provide info but not the entry codes.

He drove there that night, walked in, killed them, drove another 5 hrs home. Just luck? I doubt it. There’s another big piece to this puzzle,

That would simplify things but still presents with the same logistical problems. If he is visiting relatives, they could be too. Hadn’t they spent some time at his sisters? How did he know who would be there? How did he know there were not others IN the house that could deter him?

But the biggest question, is how did he think he could get in? He knew this part of the city. He had to know these expensive houses would be armed with all kinds of security. What gave him confidence that those devices were no deterrence to him.

Because, even being caught in the backyard in the middle of the night would be a risk to how his employers would view his mental state. Vascular surgeons have to handle the stress of an operating room and the life/death situations that might happen in a moment. If one of them is caught,
pre-Dawn skulking around his Ex from 8 years ago, the question of mental,stability is going to follow.

This just doesn’t seem a lucky happenstance operation. It seems HIGHLY premeditated. That requires precise information. How would he come by that at this point in their lives?

Great posts!! I agree there is so much more to this. I have so many questions about MM. Did he intend to kill both of them or was Spencer his real target and Monique got in the way? Why did he do it on a frigid December week night, what was the significance of that time? Did they know their shooter?

 

[OhioGuy]

That would simplify things but still presents with the same logistical problems. If he is visiting relatives, they could be too. Hadn’t they spent some time at his sisters? How did he know who would be there? How did he know there were not others IN the house that could deter him?

But the biggest question, is how did he think he could get in? He knew this part of the city. He had to know these expensive houses would be armed with all kinds of security. What gave him confidence that those devices were no deterrence to him.

Because, even being caught in the backyard in the middle of the night would be a risk to how his employers would view his mental state. Vascular surgeons have to handle the stress of an operating room and the life/death situations that might happen in a moment. If one of them is caught,
pre-Dawn skulking around his Ex from 8 years ago, the question of mental,stability is going to follow.

This just doesn’t seem a lucky happenstance operation. It seems HIGHLY premeditated. That requires precise information. How would he come by that at this point in their lives?

Would he be able to figure out which days Spencer was in the office? “Hi I see on my calendar that I have my annual checkup with Dr. Tepe next week on December 30, just wanted to confirm the practice is open and he’ll be in since it’s close to the holidays?” Of course, even if he knows Spencer’s schedule, nothing to guarantee Monique wasn’t away with the kids given how close it was to Christmas.

No guarantee they’ll be at home the night prior to working, but more likely. With New Years Eve (plus OSU game) and New Years Day approaching, he might’ve had a thin window in which to do this on a ‘quiet’ night depending on when he would’ve been expected back in Illinois. All speculation until we know where he was in the days and hours directly before.

 

[osu]

Speculation, theories mount as Tepe murder investigation continues, ex-husband accused

Kierstin Lindkvist
Updated Mon, January 12th 2026 at 6:33 AM

Speculation, theories mount as Tepe murder investigation continues, ex-husband accused

 

[osu]

Michael McKee facing upgraded charges in deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe​

Bailey Gallion
Columbus Dispatch
Updated Jan. 12, 2026, 9:26 a.m. ET

Charges against the man charged with murder in the killings of Monique and Spencer Tepe in their Weinland Park home were upgraded to aggravated murder Jan. 12, hours before his first scheduled hearing in Illinois.

Michael David Mckee, 39, of Chicago, is currently being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois. He is now charged with two counts of aggravated murder with premeditation in the Franklin County Municipal Court.

McKee has a hearing set for 1:30 p.m. Central time Jan. 12. The hearing is likely an extradition hearing to begin the process to move McKee to Franklin County.

Aggravated murder is a more serious charge than murder. In Ohio, murder is punishable by 15 years to life in prison. The aggravated murder charge means McKee could now face a maximum sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole. He could also face the death penalty — although Ohio has not carried out an execution since 2018.

Premeditation is one of several aggravating circumstances that can justify an aggravated murder charge. To legally qualify, the killer must commit the murder with "prior calculation and design."

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2026/01/12/monique-tepe-ex-husband-michael-mckee-court-murder-charges-spencer-ohio-dentist/88139999007/

 

[OhioGuy]

Great posts!! I agree there is so much more to this. I have so many questions about MM. Did he intend to kill both of them or was Spencer his real target and Monique got in the way? Why did he do it on a frigid December week night, what was the significance of that time? Did they know their shooter?

The timing of it is definitely odd to me.

On one hand, if he was in Ohio for the holidays that would make their home much more accessible to him vs driving 300 miles one way in a rage.

On the other hand, I think the week between Christmas and New Years is one of the least guaranteed times for people to be home. Regardless of what day of the week they actually fall on, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day always feel like a weekend to me. In my house and circle of friends, we always joke that nobody knows what day it is in that week between Christmas and New Years. If you asked me to pick a date I’m near certain people will be home, late December is near the bottom of my list.

 

[osu]

Tepe murder case: Michael McKee expected in court Monday​

Updated: Jan 12, 2026 / 06:11 AM EST

Neighbors in Weinland Park expressed gratitude that a suspect is in custody.

“They were a happy family, they were a lovely family,” Weinland Park Civic Association president Tanya Long said. “The neighbors loved them. The community apparently embraced them, and we want justice served to the fullest extent of the law.”

“It is really heartbreaking, and so I’m glad that we’re getting justice for them and I hope we get more justice for them,” neighbor Anya Parker said.

The family of Spencer and Monique Tepe shared a statement over the weekend, saying, “As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable. Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind.”

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-ne...-case-michael-mckee-expected-in-court-monday/

 

[Cassie P]

That would simplify things but still presents with the same logistical problems. If he is visiting relatives, they could be too. Hadn’t they spent some time at the sisters? How did he know who would be there? How did he know there were not others IN the house that could deter him?

MM knew it was low probability that the Tepes would host a party or attend one on the night or day of the 30th.

MM attended OSU and lived in Columbus for a period of time, so he knew the drill. The city was in high excitement for the Cottonbowl occurring on New Years Eve and that is when the parties would take place. Very few people would be hosting a big party the day before NYE/Cotton Bowl.

People would be preparing for the parties and getting a good night's sleep for the long day and evening the next day.

 

[nerosleuth]

After looking at Section 2911.11 of the Ohio Revised Code which pertains to aggravated burglary, I believe this will be one of the aggravating factors for the aggravated murder premeditated charge that MM is currently facing.

 

[stmarysmead]

DBM

 

[bestill]

The timing of it is definitely odd to me.

On one hand, if he was in Ohio for the holidays that would make their home much more accessible to him vs driving 300 miles one way in a rage.

On the other hand, I think the week between Christmas and New Years is one of the least guaranteed times for people to be home. Regardless of what day of the week they actually fall on, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day always feel like a weekend to me. In my house and circle of friends, we always joke that nobody knows what day it is in that week between Christmas and New Years. If you asked me to pick a date I’m near certain people will be home, late December is near the bottom of my list.

Especially if you have children, many day cares and schools are closed. Perfect time to travel with kiddo's. Although Monique was a sahm, that may not be an issue with them but we don't know exactly what MM knew about their lives and schedules. Which leads me to believe that he knew a lot of details.

 

[arielilane]

Defendant's court appearance 2:30 pm ET today.




@BrianEntin

Dr. Michael McKee’s charges upgraded to aggravated murder. He is accused of killing his ex wife Monique Tepe and her husband Dr. Spencer Tepe. McKee will be in court later today.

9:52 AM · Jan 12, 2026

 

[Sundog]

Especially if you have children, many day cares and schools are closed. Perfect time to travel with kiddo's. Although Monique was a sahm, that may not be an issue with them but we don't know exactly what MM knew about their lives and schedules. Which leads me to believe that he knew a lot of details.

MM could have easily found out if the dental office in Athens was open between Christmas and New Year and could find out if Spencer was working and that they wouldn't likely be travelling at that time. Also, if he was in the area visiting family or friends, or staying at a hotel in the region, then he would be able to drive by the Tepe home and see that they were at home at that time.

 

[Sundog]

I wonder if MM will fight extradition in his court appearance today in Illinois.

 

[arielilane]

What may have triggered her ex?
Monique and Spencer Tepe allegedly killed by Monique's ex husband --
Dr. Michael McKee.
Statistically - this does not come as a surprise.
70-80% of murdered women are killed by an ex.
More:

https://twitter.com/x/status/2010719745478455494

 

[ttjo]

From the affidavit -

..."This suspect was tracked to a vehicle which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides. Detectives were able to identify this vehicle further and link it to Michael McKee. Detectives located the vehicle in Rockford, Illinois and found evidence of McKee in possession of the vehicle prior to and after the homicides."

Just want to try tie a few things together to see what other ideas come to light.

One. this is charged as a PREMEDITATED murder. It was not spur-of-the-moment; it was planned. So wouldn’t a PLANNED murder have to contain an assurance that you could get into the house in the first place?

This was not some country home where one might leave the doors open and go to bed. This was in a ‘evolving’ neighborhood in a city the killer knew well. In his ‘premeditation’ he would most definitely expect this high value home for the neighborhood to have every security bell and whistle…alarm, lights, fancy locks, even a dog.

And it did.

No one, no matter how obsessed, is going to be making 10 hr round trips in the middle of the night on the off-chance that, one night, there might be a door someone forgot to lock. This was ‘premeditated’….he had to have had a pretty solid reason to believe he could get in. They could still have been at her sisters for New Years. He had to gave had the most crucial part of this murder PLANNED….the fact that they would be there…and assured entry.

So, that leads us to speculate how he could accomplish that?

First, is this killer still practicing in Chicago. If so, he can’t be driving 10 hrs every night. So he had to know that on Dec 30, he could expect them to be home, on their beds, without a party going on, or a couple of Navy Seals spending the night.

He needed very precise info.

And he needed to feel confident that he could get past all the security stuff. Who could/would give him that information? If he is this once-abusive spouse, unlikely to be relatives or close friends. How likely is it that he would know who their gardener, or babysitter might be…and get that info that way?

I don’t think we can entirely rule out M feeling pity for him, or thinking she could manage his moods as she did in the old days. That could provide info but not the entry codes.

He drove there that night, walked in, killed them, drove another 5 hrs home. Just luck? I doubt it. There’s another big piece to this puzzle,

What about if he faked a profile as someone she knew who texted and asked if they could stay over, Last minute, they’d be arriving late. So would they give a code or leave the door open?? Total speculation.
I know there are apps that allow you to make an incoming call /text and have your phone number appear as whatever you want it to show.
He managed to get in there somehow.

 

[Justice101]

I hope they got his phone and his car is fancy enough to have the automatic GPS tracking if he thought he could outsmart everyone by using a basic purchased paper map.

 

[mom2tee]

MM could have easily found out if the dental office in Athens was open between Christmas and New Year and could find out if Spencer was working and that they wouldn't likely be travelling at that time.

I agree. It sounds like there is a possibility the office was at least aware of a situation that could cause concern. So maybe they were hesitant to give out any info. But as a Mom who has made a million appointments, I often will say "I'd like to see Dr. SoAndSo ... are they in next Tuesday?" or even "What doctors are in today?". Sometimes before I even give my name.