Monique Tepe slept with her phone on silent for over 400 nights out of fear of being woken up by messages from her ex-husband – a habit she only broke after marrying dentist Spencer Tepe in Ohio until one day the secret was revealed…

Monique Tepe’s Secret Habit: Sleeping with Her Phone on Silent for Over 400 Nights Out of Fear of Her Ex-Husband

The tragic double homicide of Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old respected dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, in their Columbus, Ohio home on December 30, 2025, continues to reveal painful layers of Monique’s past. Among the most heartbreaking details to emerge is the revelation — shared by close family members in interviews with local media — that Monique had developed a long-standing habit of sleeping with her phone on silent for more than 400 consecutive nights out of deep fear that her ex-husband, Michael David McKee, would contact her at any hour.

This practice reportedly began during and after her brief marriage to McKee (2015–2017), a period her family has described as emotionally abusive and deeply threatening. Monique’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, told reporters that she was “terrified” during those years, living in constant anxiety that McKee could message or call at any time — day or night — to control, intimidate, or harass her. The fear was so pervasive that she silenced her phone every night as a coping mechanism, ensuring she would not be jolted awake by an unexpected notification.

Here are poignant images shared by family and friends, capturing Monique’s warmth, strength, and the love she shared with Spencer:

This photograph shows Monique Tepe smiling brightly in a casual setting, reflecting the joyful person she became after leaving a difficult marriage.

Another cherished portrait of Monique, highlighting her gentle nature and the happiness she found in her new life with Spencer.

Monique only broke this habit after marrying Spencer Tepe in 2021. Friends and family say Spencer created a safe, loving environment where she finally felt secure enough to turn her ringer back on at night. The couple built a peaceful home in Columbus’s Weinland Park neighborhood, raising their two young children (ages 1 and 4) and celebrating nearly five years of marriage before the tragedy.

Here are tender images of Monique and Spencer together, illustrating the loving partnership they shared:

This photo captures Monique and Spencer in a happy moment, smiling together — a stark contrast to the fear she once lived with.

Another family photo of the couple with their children, showing the stable, joyful life they had created in Ohio.

The secret habit was only revealed to Spencer and close friends after their marriage, when Monique felt safe enough to confide in him about the lingering trauma from her previous relationship. According to statements from family members, Spencer was deeply supportive, helping her heal from the years of anxiety and fear.

Tragically, that sense of safety ended in the early morning hours of December 30, 2025. Spencer and Monique were found fatally shot upstairs in their home, with no signs of forced entry and nothing apparently stolen. Their two children and family dog were unharmed in another part of the house.

Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband and a vascular surgeon in Rockford, Illinois, was arrested on January 10, 2026, at a Chick-fil-A in Rockford. He faces two counts of premeditated aggravated murder, charges that carry the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty in Ohio. McKee waived extradition and is expected to be transferred to Columbus for trial.

Here are powerful images from the investigation and public memorials honoring Spencer and Monique:

This photograph shows the Tepe family home cordoned off with police tape after the discovery on December 30, 2025.

Another somber image of the residence, now surrounded by flowers, candles, and tributes from neighbors and friends.

The case has drawn national attention due to its targeted nature and the history of fear Monique reportedly carried from her marriage to McKee. Family members have stated that Monique confided in them that if anything ever happened to her, investigators should look at her ex-husband. No prior police reports of domestic violence at the Columbus home have been disclosed, but the investigation has been classified as domestic violence-related.

Here are additional visuals from community vigils and memorials:

This photograph captures a candlelight vigil in Columbus, with mourners holding portraits of Spencer and Monique, surrounded by flowers and messages of love.

Another emotional scene from a gathering, where friends and family shared memories of the couple’s warmth and devotion to their children.

McKee has indicated through his public defender that he intends to plead not guilty. Authorities have cited surveillance footage, vehicle tracking, and ballistic evidence linking a recovered firearm to the crime scene as key elements of their case. The investigation continues, with McKee’s next court appearance scheduled for January 23, 2026, in Illinois.

Monique’s years of sleeping with her phone on silent — a quiet act of self-protection born out of fear — stand as a devastating testament to the long-lasting impact of emotional abuse. That she finally felt safe enough to stop that habit after marrying Spencer only makes the loss more tragic. Her story, shared by those who loved her, serves as a reminder of the courage it takes to rebuild after trauma — and the heartbreak when that safety is violently taken away.

Spencer and Monique Tepe are remembered as devoted parents and loving partners. Their children are now surrounded by family, but the void left behind is immeasurable.

Rest in peace, Monique and Spencer. May justice bring some measure of peace to those who loved you.