Ohio police say they have a clearer picture of what may have led to the fatal shooting of Monique and Spencer Tepe inside their Columbus home late last month.
Monique, 39, and Spencer, 37, were shot to death in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, just feet from their two children, ages 4 and 1. The children were not physically harmed.
Investigators arrested Monique’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee, on Jan. 10 in Rockford, Illinois — nearly 500 miles from the couple’s home in Columbus, Ohio.
Authorities have released few details publicly, but during a press conference this week, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant suggested the attack was not random.
“This was a targeted attack,” Bryant said. “This was a domestic violence-related attack.”
Police did not provide a specific motive when questioned.
Bryant’s comments align with what family members have believed since early in the investigation. Rob Misleh — who is married to Spencer’s sister — said Monique had been afraid of McKee and had previously described emotional abuse that he believes deeply affected her.
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Misleh also said Monique told him McKee had threatened her life multiple times during their marriage, which lasted less than two years.
McKee has not been charged in connection with those allegations. A public defender representing him in Illinois did not respond to requests for comment.
Investigators said they tracked McKee to Illinois using surveillance footage that showed a vehicle near the Tepes’ residence during the time frame when police believe the killings occurred.
McKee was initially arrested on murder charges and now faces upgraded charges of aggravated murder. He is expected to be extradited to Ohio, where he will be arraigned. During a court appearance this week, his public defender said McKee plans to plead not guilty.
