chicago Surgeon Accused in Targeted Killing of Ex-Wife and Her husband; Murder Weapon Recovered
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A preliminary match has been made between a firearm recovered from the Chicago condo of Michael David McKee and the shooting deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe in Columbus, Ohio, authorities announced Wednesday, January 14, 2026. the revelation marks a critically important advancement in the case of the alleged premeditated murder that has gripped the nation.
Columbus Police Chief elaine Bryant described the attack as “targeted” during a press conference, confirming that the couple was found dead in their home on December 30. Their 1- and 4-year-old children were present during the shooting and,thankfully,physically unharmed,as was the family dog. McKee, the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, was apprehended in the Chicago area eleven days after the killings and subsequently charged with premeditated murder.
The examination has revealed a disturbing history of alleged emotional abuse. According to a family member, McKee had reportedly threatened monique Tepe’s life “on multiple occasions” during their marriage. “She was terrified,” said Rob misleh, Monique Tepe’s brother-in-law, in an interview. “She wasn’t shy about talking to people about traumatic experiences she had with her ex and just how emotionally abusive he was to her. It affected her to this da
Our hearts remain with Spencer and Monique and their loved ones, especially the children impacted by their unimaginable loss.”
A Brief Marriage, a Contentious Divorce
divorce records obtained by USA TODAY reveal that Monique Tepe and Michael McKee’s marriage, which lasted less than two years, concluded on seemingly amicable terms. The separation agreement, filed on April 28, 2017, cited “differences” between the parties. McKee retained ownership of the couple’s home in Roanoke, virginia, purchased during his residency following graduation from Ohio State University in 2014, valued at approximately $230,000 at the time. Neither party was ordered to pay spousal support, and each retained their individual vehicles and debts.
The couple married on August 22, 2015, and finalized their divorce in May 2017. The case remained dormant for years until June 2025, when a court docket indicated a hearing had been scheduled, later canceled in September. Court officials have yet to explain the reason for revisiting the divorce proceedings eight years after its completion.
Finding Happiness, Then Tragedy
Monique Tepe found happiness again, marrying spencer Tepe on January 30, 2020, just one month shy of their fifth wedding anniversary when their lives were tragically cut short. Monique’s wedding vows revealed a journey of heartbreak before finding her soulmate. “Countless bad Bumble dates, wrong relationships, and waterfalls of tears,” she shared, overcome with emotion. “But it was worth every cringing moment because it led me to you.”
Spencer Tepe, in his vows, expressed his deep affection for Monique, declaring her his best friend. “We’re so lucky,” he said. “I vow to never stop loving you and to always keep working on us… I vow to do my best to always keep making you laugh because your smile is my favorite thing.”
Family Calls for Justice
Misleh stated he was unaware of any prior physical abuse or recent threats made by McKee. “If any of us had known that these threats were actually grounded in possibility, we all would have acted differently,” he said. He shared that over 1,000 people attended the Tepes’ funeral, a testament to their kindness and widespread affection.
“We just want justice,” Misleh pleaded. “We want this person that took so much from,not just us as a family,but so many more people. and obviously the kids, especially. We want this person to pay for what they did.”
The Tepe family previously described Spencer as a devoted father and friend, and Monique as a loving and joyful mother. They vowed to continue honoring the couple’s legacy and the positive impact they had on the world.
