People close to the case say the transition from Monique Tepe’s previous marriage to life with dentist Spencer Tepe in Ohio may have left unresolved tensions that quietly carried over

Unresolved Tensions: How Monique Tepe’s Transition from a Troubled First Marriage to a Joyful Life with Dentist Spencer Tepe May Have Fueled a Deadly Outcome

The shocking double homicide of Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, in their Columbus, Ohio, home on December 30, 2025, has left communities reeling. The couple, parents to a 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, were found shot to death during a welfare check after Spencer—a dedicated dentist at Athens Dental Depot—failed to show up for work. No forced entry was reported, and the children were unharmed but left crying beside their parents’ bodies.

Central to the case is Monique’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon from Chicago. Arrested on January 10, 2026, in Illinois, McKee faces two counts of aggravated premeditated murder (upgraded charges). He waived extradition and is awaiting transfer to Ohio, where he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Authorities recovered a weapon from his property preliminarily linked by ballistics to the homicides, marking a major breakthrough.

McKee and Monique (then Sabaturski) married in August 2015 in Ohio. Court records show they lived together for only eight months before separating in March 2016. Monique filed for divorce in June 2017 on grounds of “incompatibility,” and it was finalized quickly the same month—no children, no alimony, and a standard mutual restraining order. On paper, the split appeared amicable and civil, with no documented major disputes, violence allegations, or ongoing conflicts in the filings.

However, people close to Monique have described the marriage as deeply troubled, with lingering emotional scars that never fully healed. Family members, including Spencer’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, told media outlets like NBC News and People that Monique was “terrified” of McKee during their time together. She reportedly confided about emotional abuse, threats to her life, and the overwhelming need to escape. “Monique was very vocal about being terrified of this guy till her death,” Misleh said. Experts in domestic violence and true crime analysis have suggested coercive control and death threats were warning signs, describing such patterns as “murder in slow motion” when unresolved.

These accounts paint a picture of unresolved tensions that quietly carried over for nearly a decade. After the divorce, Monique rebuilt her life, marrying Spencer around late 2020 or 2021. Their relationship was described as “beautiful, strong, and deeply happy.” They shared a love of travel, family, and laughter, raising two young children in a warm home. In her wedding vows to Spencer, Monique alluded to past “wrong relationships” and a “waterfall of tears,” hinting at the pain she had overcome. The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary shortly before the tragedy.

Yet, the brevity and intensity of her first marriage—coupled with allegations of abuse—have led observers to theorize that jealousy, obsession, or festering resentment may have simmered beneath the surface. McKee, a high-achieving professional who moved between states post-divorce, allegedly targeted the couple in what police now call a “targeted attack.” Surveillance footage showed a person of interest near the home, and McKee’s vehicle was traced to the area. Speculation includes possible long-term stalking, online monitoring, or a trigger from seeing Monique thrive in her new family.

Investigators emphasize that motive details are still emerging through evidence like social media, searches, and communications. No prior police reports of stalking or threats from the Tepes exist, but the emotional toll Monique carried suggests the transition was far from seamless. Experts note that rejected or vengeful ex-partners can harbor grudges for years, escalating when a former spouse finds happiness elsewhere.

The tragedy has sparked discussions on long-term trauma from abusive relationships, the dangers of unresolved threats, and the need for better protections. As the case advances—with the murder weapon’s recovery strengthening the prosecution—the focus remains on justice for Monique and Spencer. Their loved ones grieve a life cut short, while grappling with how shadows from the past could have led to such horror.

Here are poignant images from the case, including family tributes, the couple’s life together, and key figures in the investigation:

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These visuals capture the warmth of Monique and Spencer’s family life, contrasted with the somber reality of the investigation.

The full story continues to unfold, reminding us of the lasting impact of past relationships and the importance of addressing warning signs before they turn deadly.