Podcast Summary
Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Doctor Threatened, Strangled, Abused Ex-Wife Years Before Killing Her & Husband: New Court Docs
Date: January 28, 2026
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Episode Overview
This episode delves into new, disturbing details released in a court affidavit concerning the double murder of Spencer and Monique Tepe in Columbus, Ohio. As authorities piece together the events and history leading up to the murders, Amy and T.J. examine the harrowing years of alleged abuse Monique endured at the hands of her ex-husband, Michael McKee—a vascular surgeon now charged with the murders. The hosts dissect the nature of the crime, evidence cited by police, and the tragic escalation from prior abuse and threats to fatal violence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Case Background and Timeline
- Double Murder: On December 30th, Spencer (37) and Monique Tepe (39) were found shot dead in their home, with their 1 and 4-year-old children unharmed nearby.
- No Sign of Burglary: Police quickly ruled out murder-suicide due to the absence of a weapon (02:00).
- Suspect: Monique's ex-husband, Dr. Michael McKee, was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, a seven-hour drive from Columbus (03:18).
“She left within seven months of being married to him. … 10 years later, nearly 10 years later, he's still that angry that he goes and hunts her down and murders her and her new husband.”
— Amy Robach [02:43]
2. Mounting Evidence Against the Suspect
- Surveillance Evidence: Police report video of McKee at the Tepe home weeks before the murder, seen lurking for hours on their property while the family was out (04:07-04:35).
- Coincidence with Family Trip: The same day he is seen near their home, Monique reportedly became upset at a Big Ten championship game, possibly due to contact or knowledge of McKee’s presence at their house (05:45).
“She goes back to the hotel...She's so upset by something involving [McKee] that she leaves this game early and goes back.”
— Amy Robach [05:45]
- Phone Alibi: On the day of the murders, McKee left his phone at work, showing no activity for 17 hours, matching the estimated round-trip drive plus the crime window (07:35).
“…That gave him three hours to get into this home and as police say, shoot to death both Monique and Spencer Tepe, get back in his car...It's mind boggling, bro.”
— Amy Robach [07:35]
3. A Terrifying Pattern of Abuse
- Prior Abuse: Friends and family of Monique revealed a grim history—Monique alleged emotional and physical abuse, including strangulation and sexual assault, from McKee during their brief marriage (12:04).
- Ongoing Threats: Throughout and after the marriage, Monique reportedly received repeated threats on her life.
“He could kill her at any time. He would find her. He would buy the house right next to her and that she would always be his wife. That's something out of a horror movie.”
— Amy Robach [13:35]
- Escalation: The hosts discuss the all-too-common progression from non-physical to fatal violence in abusive relationships, especially when a survivor tries to leave.
“They always say right when the woman makes a decision to leave is the most dangerous part of that relationship.”
— T.J. Holmes [11:02]
4. No Clear Motive or Ongoing Conflict
- No Shared Children/Pets/Finances: Despite nearly a decade since divorce and no children or assets tying them together, McKee allegedly obsessed over Monique.
- Distance Didn’t Deter: Despite years and long distances apart, he allegedly maintained or revived his vendetta (13:04-13:29).
- Role of Profession: Amy and T.J. express shock that a highly trained physician, who pledged to save lives, stands accused of such calculated violence (15:40).
5. Arrest Details and Legal Proceedings
- Evidence Trail: Police traced McKee using vehicle surveillance and tracked his movement near the crime scene; his vehicle had swapped license plates to evade detection (16:46).
- Legal Status: Through his lawyers, McKee intends to plead not guilty and is being held without bond (17:27).
Memorable Quotes
-
On believing abusers:
"When people tell you who they are, believe them. That is exhibit A in this case."
— Amy Robach [00:55] -
On the chilling nature of threats:
"He could kill her at any time. He would find her, he would buy the house right next to her, and that she would always be his wife."
— Amy Robach [13:35] -
On obsession and escalation:
“Nine years to get over something. I mean, that's wild.”
— T.J. Holmes [08:10] -
On the tragedy of escape not guaranteeing safety:
“She got out of a relationship. She should have been far past that relationship, and she still ends up dead at the hands… of someone she was in a relationship with 10 years ago.”
— T.J. Holmes [14:40]
Notable Segment Timestamps
- Case summary & initial reactions: 00:06 – 02:33
- Details of evidence and surveillance: 03:18 – 06:39
- Phone alibi and trip timeline: 07:35 – 08:14
- Affidavit details about years of abuse: 09:51 – 15:40
- Discussion of threats and psychological abuse: 12:04 – 14:40
- Arrest, investigation details, and legal status: 16:46 – 17:27
Tone and Style
Amy and T.J. maintain a somber, earnest, and analytical tone throughout, displaying both empathy for the victims and cautious respect for due process. They express horror and disbelief at the details as they emerge and use their experience reporting on true crime to contextualize the tragic story.
Final Thoughts
This episode gives a thorough examination of the events and chilling backstory leading up to the double homicide. The hosts emphasize the importance of taking threats seriously and highlight the all-too-real dangers faced by survivors of abuse, even years after leaving the relationship. The narrative is neither sensationalized nor detached, but rather sober, insightful, and deeply empathetic—shedding light on the warning signs and aftermath of intimate partner violence.