After more than 10 days of intensive searching, authorities arrested a suspect in the fatal shootings of Spencer and Monique Tepe inside their Columbus, Ohio, home while their two young children were present.
Court records identify the suspect as Monique Tepe’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee, 39. He was arrested Saturday and charged with two counts of murder, according to an incident report.
Couple Found Dead in Columbus Home
Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were discovered dead with apparent gunshot wounds on Dec. 30 inside their upscale home in the Weinland Park neighborhood. Their children, ages 4 and 1, were found inside the home and were not physically harmed, police said.
Authorities have not released details about a possible motive, and the investigation has remained tightly guarded.
Surveillance Footage Raised New Questions
Public interest intensified earlier this week when police released surveillance video showing a “person of interest” walking through an alley near the home during the timeframe investigators believe the killings occurred. Officials did not explain how the individual was connected to the case.
Suspect Arrested in Illinois
McKee is currently in custody in Winnebago County, Illinois, sheriff’s records show. Police said he was taken into custody without incident in Rockford. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday. CNN reported it is working to determine whether McKee has legal representation.
Community Mourns as Investigation Continues
In the days after the killings, mourners left roses and sunflowers outside the Tepes’ home, where the couple had once exchanged vows. The deaths occurred just days after Christmas and weeks before their fifth wedding anniversary.
Police said there were no obvious signs of forced entry and no firearm was recovered at the scene. Officials stated they will release additional information only if it does not compromise the active investigation.
Missed Work Sparked Welfare Check
Concerns first arose when Spencer Tepe failed to show up at Athens Dental Depot, where he worked as a dentist about 75 miles southeast of Columbus. Colleagues called 911 after repeated attempts to reach him and his wife failed.
About 30 minutes later, coworkers and a friend arrived at the home and reported hearing children crying inside. A friend later told dispatchers he saw a body inside the residence.
Children Now With Relatives
The couple’s two children and their dog are now in the care of relatives, according to a family member. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has ruled the deaths apparent homicides caused by gunshot wounds. Final autopsy results are expected in the coming weeks.
For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.