An Illinois man is in custody facing murder charges following the shooting deaths of a Columbus dentist and his wife. The suspect, Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, and is the ex-husband of one of the victims.

Timeline of Events

• December 30, 2025: Columbus police performed a wellness check at a residence in the Weinland Park neighborhood after Dr. Spencer Tepe failed to arrive at his dental practice.
• The Scene: Officers discovered Dr. Spencer Tepe (37) and Monique Tepe (39) deceased from gunshot wounds. In a heartbreaking detail, the couple’s two children—aged 1 and 4—were found unharmed inside the home.
• The Arrest: On January 10, 2026, McKee was apprehended by authorities in Illinois. He is currently awaiting extradition back to Franklin County, Ohio, to face two counts of murder.

The Investigation

Detectives utilized neighborhood surveillance footage to identify a suspect vehicle. The car was seen arriving at the Tepe residence shortly before the shooting and fleeing immediately after. Further investigation linked the vehicle to McKee’s location in Rockford.

A Community in Mourning

The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Columbus community.

• Spencer Tepe was a well-regarded local dentist known for his gentle care.
• Monique Tepe was a devoted mother and active community member.
• Friends and family have established support funds for the couple’s two surviving children.

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