A vascular surgeon from Illinois has been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of a Columbus dentist and his wife, capping off a multi-state search that drew significant public attention.
Arrest Ends Multi-State Search
Authorities announced that 39-year-old Michael David McKee was taken into custody on Saturday in Rockford, Illinois. Investigators had been searching for McKee for more than a week after identifying him as a primary suspect in the December killings of Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39.
Police confirmed that McKee was arrested without incident and is being held at the Winnebago County Jail. An initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday in Illinois, followed by an extradition hearing to return him to Franklin County, Ohio, where he faces two counts of murder.
Victims Found After Dentist Missed Work
The bodies of the Tepes were discovered on December 30 inside their home in Columbus’ Weinland Park neighborhood. Officers had been dispatched for a welfare check after colleagues at Tepe’s dental practice raised concerns. The dentist, described as punctual and dependable, had not arrived for work and could not be reached.
A friend who went to the home later called 911, reporting he heard young children crying and saw a body inside. Responding officers found the couple deceased from gunshot wounds. Two children, ages 4 and 1, were discovered unharmed and are now in the care of relatives. The family dog was also found safe inside the residence.
The couple had been preparing to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.
Surveillance, Vehicle Evidence, and Timeline
Court filings indicate investigators believe the shootings occurred in the early morning hours, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. that same day.
Surveillance video released by police showed a hooded individual walking through an alley near the home during the suspected timeframe. Authorities have not stated whether the figure is McKee, but neighborhood footage helped police track a vehicle linked to him. That vehicle was later located near McKee’s workplace in Rockford.
At the crime scene, detectives recovered three 9mm shell casings. No weapon was found, and there were no visible signs of forced entry. Preliminary findings from the Franklin County Coroner indicate the deaths were homicides caused by gunshot wounds, with full autopsy reports pending.
Background and Connections
Public records show McKee and Monique Tepe married in 2015. Their divorce was finalized two years later and was described as amicable, with no children resulting from the marriage.
McKee built a medical career specializing in vascular surgery, holding licenses in Illinois and California, and previously in Nevada. He has no documented professional disciplinary history and only minor traffic offenses on his criminal record. He had professional ties in Rockford and family connections in eastern Ohio.
Monique Tepe dedicated her time to raising the couple’s children, while Spencer Tepe operated Athens Dental Depot, a dental clinic located southeast of Columbus.
Motive Still Unclear as Case Continues
Investigators have not released information regarding a potential motive, and officials say the case remains active. Further disclosures are being withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings.In a statement on behalf of the family, brother-in-law Rob Misleh called the arrest “an important step toward justice” but emphasized the lasting emotional toll, saying the family will continue to honor Spencer and Monique’s memory while protecting the children the couple leaves behind.
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