A tragic incident from last year involved the murder of a couple who were shot dead in their home, revealing a subsequent threat allegedly made by the ex-husband.
On December 30, law enforcement in Columbus, Ohio, conducted a welfare check at the residence of Spencer and Monique Tepe.
Spencer, a dentist, unexpectedly missed work, which was unusual for the 37-year-old professional.
Friends who visited Spencer’s home were unable to enter but heard the cries of the couple’s two children from inside.
Monique’s ex-spouse, Michael David McKee, was detained on January 10 under suspicion of murder, with charges later elevated to aggravated murder.
He was apprehended in Rockford, Illinois, nearly 500 miles from the couple’s home in Columbus, Ohio.
McKee remains in custody without bond at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Franklin County, having entered a plea of not guilty to four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary.
A recent affidavit of probable cause disclosed that McKee had been observed outside or in proximity to the couple’s home weeks before their deaths, as reported by WBNS-TV.
Additionally, the documents claim that McKee had threatened Monique’s life.
He allegedly told her he ‘could kill her at any time,’ asserting ‘she will always be his wife,’ and stated his intention to follow her and purchase a home next to hers.
Court documents indicate that Monique and McKee were wed for seven months following their August 22, 2015 marriage.
The affidavit further revealed that friends and family had informed police that Monique had described McKee as abusive both during and after their marriage.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant previously stated: “We know that this is her ex-husband, so it’s domestic violence-related. And, as the trial moves on, as charges come about, we will be able to probably get more answers. But, right now, we don’t have the answer as to a motive.”
Bryant also commented: “This was a targeted attack. This was a domestic violence-related attack.”
McKee is being held without bond at the James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Franklin County, having pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary.
Monique reportedly lived in fear of her ex-husband, according to Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, who is married to Spencer’s sister.