Podcast Summary: "BREAKING Tonight: Ex-Husband Arrested in Double Murder of Ohio Dentist and Wife"
Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Date: January 10, 2026
Episode Overview
In this urgent episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes discuss the breaking news regarding the arrest of Michael David McKee—the ex-husband of Monique Tepe—in the shocking double homicide of Columbus, Ohio residents Spencer and Monique Tepe. The hosts walk listeners through the bizarre and disturbing case, piecing together the timeline, available evidence, and the community's reaction as more details come to light. This episode is driven by the hosts' quest to understand the motive behind this seemingly inexplicable crime and the chilling fact that the couple's two young children were left alive but alone at the crime scene.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Murders and the Initial Mystery
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Discovery of the Crime
- On December 30th, 2025, police were alerted to a Columbus, Ohio home after coworkers and friends grew concerned over their inability to contact the residents ([03:32]).
- Spencer and Monique Tepe, a well-liked dentist and a stay-at-home mom active in the community, were found shot to death in their bedroom; their one- and four-year-old children were found alive ([03:32], [04:25]).
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Unusual Crime Scene
- No forced entry or murder weapon left at the scene; murder-suicide was quickly ruled out ([03:32]).
- The neighborhood was described as quiet, safe, and tightly knit, making the crime even more shocking ([03:32]).
- "It appeared to be in their bedroom with their two children still alive. And there was no forced entry, there was no firearm left at the scene." —Amy Robach ([03:32]).
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Community Impact and Fear
- The lack of immediate suspects or clear motive led to widespread fear and uncertainty in the community ([04:25], [06:14]).
- Residents worried about their own safety with no information on whether the killer was at large or if others were at risk ([06:14]).
Investigative Breakthrough
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Surveillance and Vehicle Evidence
- Police released a single, grainy surveillance video of a man walking down the street, but it showed no clear identifying features ([07:28]).
- By appealing for any available home security footage, detectives were able to identify a vehicle traced to Rockford, Illinois ([07:28]).
- This vehicle led them to Monique’s ex-husband: "They identified that Monique's ex husband was the owner of that vehicle. And you know, at that point, boom, you've got a connection." —Amy Robach ([07:28]).
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Arrest of Michael David McKee
- Dr. Michael David McKee, a 39-year-old vascular surgeon based near Chicago, was arrested in Illinois ([05:04], [16:53]).
- The ex-husband and Monique were married from 2015 to 2017, divorced with no children between them, and apparently had an amicable separation ([05:04], [09:06]).
- "This is very puzzling, especially when you consider Michael David McKee's profession. He is a vascular surgeon outside of Chicago. It's just not something you typically consider." —Amy Robach ([05:04]).
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Premeditation and Timeline
- The drive from Illinois to Ohio is six and a half hours, indicating a planned and premeditated act ([10:00]).
- The couple were days away from celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary ([09:06]).
- "That's a commitment to something to make that drive all the way there to take two people out." —TJ Holmes ([10:00]).
The Suspect’s Background
- Dr. McKee's Career and Reputation
- Practicing vascular surgeon with licenses in Illinois, California, and previously Nevada; attended medical school at Ohio State ([10:24]).
- No arrest records or prior criminal history as of the time of recording ([11:16]).
Open Questions and Next Steps
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Lingering Mysteries
- No clear motive identified; the divorce occurred almost nine years prior and appeared amicable ([09:06], [18:18]).
- "There are so many questions as to why, what the motive would be with a seemingly amicable divorce and that much time gone by. Why then would he do what police say he did and plan it out the way they claim he did?" —Amy Robach ([18:59]).
- Unanswered questions about how McKee gained access to the home without forced entry ([18:18]).
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Immediate Legal Proceedings
- McKee is being held in Illinois, pending extradition to Ohio ([16:53]).
- Expectation of an initial court hearing as early as Monday, including a bond hearing and likely a grand jury indictment ([16:53]).
- The investigation is ongoing, and police urge the public to continue providing information ([18:59]).
Community and Family Aftermath
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Reactions and Relief
- The arrest brought a measure of relief to a community gripped by fear ([16:07], [18:18]).
- The Tepe family released a statement emphasizing their grief and the importance of accountability ([18:18]).
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Children’s Welfare
- The Tepe children are safe and being cared for by family members ([19:50]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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“This was such a mystery…there was no forced entry, there was no firearm left at the scene. So they ruled out murder suicide right away. And it was just puzzling.” —Amy Robach ([03:32])
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“Why are you committing the crime knowing that there's a one and a four year old in the house?” —TJ Holmes ([04:25])
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“They must have been able to trace this guy walking to his vehicle…They tracked the vehicle down. They located it In Rockford, Illinois. Then they identified that Monique's ex husband was the owner of that vehicle...” —Amy Robach ([07:28])
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“If you're doing the math as I am, you're talking almost nine years ago, her divorce was finalized. And he comes back…to go and murder her and her not even new husband.” —Amy Robach ([09:06])
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“That's a commitment to something to make that drive all the way there to take two people out...that’s not our understanding that he just happened to be in the area.” —TJ Holmes ([10:00])
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“...Nothing can undo the devastating loss of the two lives taken far too soon. But they said it does represent an important step, at least right now towards justice.” —TJ Holmes, reading family statement ([18:18])
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“Good to know the kids are with the Tepe family...They did say that the children are being cared for by the family and they are really, they, they're so young, they don't even really know what's going on.” —Amy Robach ([19:50])
Important Timestamps
- [02:57] – Breaking update: Arrest announced in the double murder in Columbus, OH
- [03:32] – Recap of initial crime scene discovery and puzzling circumstances
- [04:25] – Community confusion and lack of initial suspects
- [05:04] – Identification and background of arrested ex-husband
- [07:28] – Surveillance evidence leading to the McKee arrest
- [09:06] – Context on divorce and timeline; raising motive questions
- [10:00] – Discussion about the six-hour drive and what it suggests
- [10:24] – Dr. McKee’s medical background and lifestyle
- [11:16] – Statement on suspect’s clean record
- [16:53] – Preview of upcoming legal process and hearing
- [18:18] – Statement from the Tepe family and questions about access
- [19:50] – Update on custody and wellbeing of the couple’s children
Summary & Ongoing Developments
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes close the episode by reminding listeners that many details remain unresolved: the motive, the exact method of entry, and the broader psychological puzzle posed by a successful doctor allegedly committing such a crime almost a decade after divorcing the victim. The hosts promise to stay on the story as court proceedings begin and urge anyone with more information to contact authorities. The episode stands out for its journalistic clarity, empathy for the victims’ children, and measured skepticism regarding the suspect’s guilt until proven in court.
End of Summary
