A police chief has indicated a potential motive in the case of an alleged double homicide involving a couple from Ohio.
Monique and Spencer Tepe, aged 39 and 37 respectively, were tragically shot on December 30, just a short distance from their young children.
Authorities arrested Monique’s former husband, Michael David McKee, on January 10 under suspicion of murder. The charges against him have since been elevated to aggravated murder.
McKee was taken into custody in Rockford, Illinois, almost 500 miles from the home of Monique and Spencer in Columbus, Ohio.
The 39-year-old is currently detained in Illinois, pending his extradition to Ohio where he will face legal proceedings.
McKee, a licensed surgeon, and Monique had divorced approximately a decade before the tragic event.
According to Rob Misleh, who is married to Spencer’s sister, Monique had been ‘terrified’ of her ex-husband.
Law enforcement has hinted at a motive for the deaths of Monique and Spencer, though a specific reason has not been disclosed.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant commented: “This was a targeted attack. This was a domestic violence-related attack.”
Concerns arose when Spencer’s coworkers noted his absence from work, and Monique’s friends were unable to reach her by phone.
Dr. Mark Valrose, owner of the dental practice where Spencer worked, was the first to contact emergency services.
In an audio recording shared with CNN, he expressed: “He is always on time, and he would contact us if there were any issues. I don’t know how else to say this, but we are very, very concerned. This is very out of character for him.”
He further remarked: “We can’t get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing.”
Another 911 caller reported hearing crying from children inside the couple’s residence.
“I can hear kids inside, and I swear I think I heard one yell,” the caller stated.
“But we can’t get in. At this point, I don’t know if I need to break the door in to get in the house or what.”
Rob Misleh, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon.”
He continued: “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.
“We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.”