News

Ex-husband charged in murders of Ohio couple; arrested in Illinois

Ex-husband charged in murders of Ohio couple; arrested in Illinois

Spencer and Monique Tepe's home in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo: Associated Press/Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos


Phoenix, AZ (AP) – The ex-husband of an Ohio woman was charged with the murders of her and her husband, according to court and county records.

Michael McKee, 39, was booked Saturday and is currently being held in Illinois, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. He is alleged to have shot and killed the couple, Dr. Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and Monique Tepe, 39, in their Columbus home. There were no county court records in Ohio reflecting whether McKee has an attorney yet.

Dispatchers first received calls of concern, including from Spencer Tepe’s boss, when he didn’t show up for work, which the boss said was “out of character.” Columbus police discovered the Tepes on the second floor of their home on Dec. 30 with gunshot wounds when officers conducted a wellness check. Their two young children were in the home and unharmed, police said.

Police had released security footage earlier this week of a person of interest in a dark hoodie and light colored pants who was walking in an alley near the couple’s home between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. — the window of time in which investigators believed they were attacked.

Official reports from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office won’t be completed for several weeks, but a spokesperson said in a Tuesday email that the couple died in an “apparent homicide by gunshot wounds.”

McKee and Monique Tepe married in 2015 and filed for divorce two years later, according to records from the Franklin County Clerk of Courts. McKee’s address is listed in Chicago.

Monique and Spencer Tepe married in 2020, according to the couple’s obituary.

Family members described the Tepes as extraordinary people and proud parents with joy-filled lives. Monique Tepe was a caring and bubbly stay-at-home mother, and Spencer Tepe was passionate about dentistry and taking care of his family. The couple hosted many gatherings of family and friends.

McKee’s next court date is set for Monday.

Recent Headlines

6 minutes ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

‘Rookie of the Year’ star to be at Lucky Horseshoes’ ‘Legends Classic’

Fresh
Thomas Ian Nicholas attends the Primitive War film premiere in 2025.

Thomas Ian Nicholas will both pitch and perform in his band.

3 hours ago in Olympics, Sports, Trending

Winter Olympics 2026 guide: All you need to know about the Milan Cortina Games

The start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy is days away. The torch relay is nearly complete and some of the top athletes are already making headlines. There are 16 sports in all, including some never seen before, and 116 gold medals are waiting to be awarded.

3 hours ago in Entertainment

Penny the Doberman pinscher wins the 150th Westminster dog show

A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, netting U.S. show dogs' most coveted prize — and giving veteran handler Andy Linton another win after nearly four decades.

3 hours ago in Entertainment

Super Bowl LX ads feature AI, weight-loss drugs and celebs from George Clooney to Kendall Jenner

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the battle off the field for advertisers to win over 120 million-plus viewers will be just as heated as the rivalry between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

20 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

With caviar McNuggets and heart-shaped pizza, fast food chains hope to win Valentine’s diners

It's a tale as old as time, or at least as old as TikTok: chicken nuggets lovingly topped with a dab of caviar. McDonald's is embracing the trend this Valentine's Day with a limited-time McNugget Caviar kit. The free kit, which will be available on McNuggetCaviar.com on Feb. 10, pairs a one-ounce tin of Paramount's Siberian sturgeon caviar with a $25 McDonald's gift card to buy McNuggets.