Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Episode Title: TEPE DOUBLE MURDER: SHOT 16X WEARING WEDDING BANDS
Date: March 26, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Guests: Susan Hendricks, Tom Smith, Koa Lorimar, Dave Mack, Dr. Bethany Marshall, Dan Murphy, Yelena Mandenberg, Ariana Turner, and others
EPISODE OVERVIEW
This gripping episode covers the brutal double murder of Dr. Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, who were found shot 16 times in their Columbus, Ohio, home, all while still wearing their wedding bands. Their two young children were found physically unharmed in the house. The case centers on Monique’s ex-husband, Dr. Michael McKee, a vascular surgeon from Chicago, whose meticulous planning, disturbing motive, and digital trail are dissected by host Nancy Grace and her true-crime-expert guests. The episode delves into the events preceding and following the crime, the evidence gathered, and the emotional impact on those left behind.
KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & TIMESTAMPS
1. Discovery of the Crime & Initial 911 Response
[03:18 - 09:25]
- December 30, 2025, around 10:04 am: Police respond to a wellness check after Dr. Spencer Tepe fails to show up for work. Multiple 911 calls from coworkers and neighbors express concern, especially after hearing children inside the home.
- Police initially knock, find no signs of disturbance, and leave, but repeated calls lead to the grim discovery—the bodies of Spencer and Monique.
- Children are found upstairs, unharmed but traumatized, having discovered their parents’ bodies that morning.
Quote:
“Who would murder a husband and wife in their own home around Christmas, leaving their children, their tots upstairs to come down the next morning and find mommy and daddy dead?” — Nancy Grace [03:18]
2. Crime Scene Details & Ballistics
[09:25 - 11:54]
- Only three shell casings are initially found—causing speculation about whether it was a professional hit.
- Experts explain the significance of shell casings, how DNA and tool marks link casings to both suspects and specific firearms.
Quote:
“The fact that they’re left there is just someone who did what they wanted to do. ... The casings are so vitally important because of DNA evidence.” — Tom Smith [09:50]
- Detailed explanation of how fingerprints and unique tool marks on casings contribute to suspect identification.
3. Timeline, Surveillance Video & Community Response
[12:36 - 15:29]
- Surveillance video from 2-5 am shows a suspicious person moving through the alley behind the Tepe house, indicating familiarity with the location.
- The neighborhood is dense, with homes close together; possible ring cam and nest footage is discussed.
Quote:
“It looks like he knows the area because you see him kind of ducking or maybe knowing there’s a camera in the vicinity.” — Susan Hendricks [12:36]
4. Alarming Patterns and Prior Reports
[15:29 - 19:27]
- A prior 911 call about a late-night “banging” at a door happened days before the murders. Another prior call about a possible domestic dispute at the Tepe residence is discussed—though later disputed as unrelated.
Quote:
“It’s several days before the dentist and his wife are murdered...it’s right down the street from the murder scene. ... Two things: coincidence. Three things: there’s a pattern.” — Nancy Grace [16:17]
- The argument is made that the killer likely knew the entry code or was let in.
5. Investigation Zeroes in on the Suspect: Dr. Michael McKee
[20:29 - 22:05]
- Surveillance and neighborhood video lead investigators to Michael McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, after connecting a vehicle with Illinois plates around the time of the murder.
- McKee is tracked via his car, whose presence before and after the crime situates him at the scene.
Quote:
“The license plate ... is registered to Michael McKee, a vascular surgeon in Chicago. McKee is also Monique Tepe's ex-husband.” — Nancy Grace [20:29]
6. Arrest, Motive, and Background
[22:05 - 31:20]
- McKee is arrested without incident at a Chick-fil-A in Illinois after nearly two weeks of evasion.
- The ATF is involved due to McKee’s lying on a federal form to buy a gun.
- Multiple weapons are seized from his apartment; a preliminary ballistics match ties one to the murders.
- The use of a silencer on a custom-made bullet points to premeditation.
- McKee’s history as a high-achieving, yet increasingly troubled surgeon with malpractice lawsuits and a bitter, brief marriage with Monique is explored.
Quote:
“He brewed and bubbled and simmered and stewed for nearly 10 years till he makes an over 300 mile trek to shoot her dead in bed with her husband, her children in the room next door.” — Nancy Grace [33:25]
7. Digital Footprints, Alibi Failures, and Stalking
[31:43 - 54:22]
- McKee attempts to establish an alibi by leaving his phone at his hospital; video evidence disproves his story.
- Affidavits reveal McKee stalked Monique’s home on multiple occasions before the murder, including while she and her husband were out of town.
- Neighbors’ surveillance cameras catch his SUV circling the Tepe residence repeatedly; forensic evidence from his car links him to the scene.
Quote:
“Police were able to find out that Dr. McKee’s cell phone was left in a cot at the hospital for 14 hours.” — Dave Mack [49:15]
8. Autopsy Details and the Scope of Violence
[59:40 - 63:57]
- Autopsy reveals Monique was shot nine times; Spencer, seven. Both suffered severe, targeted injuries to the head, torso, and extremities.
- The calculated, close-range nature of the shootings indicates intent to ensure death.
Quote:
“The Franklin County office of the coroner determined that Monique Tepe was shot once in the face, three times in the chest... visceral, skeletal, and soft tissue injuries.” — Yelena Mandenberg [60:51]
9. Remembrance and Victim Impact
[63:57 - 66:43]
- Ariana Turner, a close friend, describes Monique as selfless, loving, and radiant—a dedicated mother and uplifting friend.
- The shock and devastation for those who knew Monique and Spencer is palpable; Ariana’s testimony personalizes the toll of this crime.
Quote:
“Like, she was just a radiating, like... she was just a beam of sunlight. Like, I was blessed that I got to experience her here. But when I found out the news, I was heartbroken.” — Ariana Turner [65:15]
MEMORABLE MOMENTS & NOTABLE QUOTES
- “If I can’t have you, no one else will.” — Analysis of McKee’s motive [03:14]
- “This was not a pro [hit]. In the home, in a very congested neighborhood...” — Nancy Grace, questioning the professionalism of the killing [11:54]
- “He was just left very stunned because he didn’t see this coming. ... And he was like completely devastated.” — McKee’s ex-girlfriend, recounting his version of the divorce [35:55]
- “He pulls to the right, to the right, to the right... Now, that’s from WBNS 10 TV. Our friends there. Now let’s look at the video... He pulls to the right on every step.” — Nancy Grace, noting his unusual gait in court [44:14]
SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS
- Suspect: Dr. Michael McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, is arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
- Motive: A decade of simmering resentment; obsession; past domestic threats.
- Evidence:
- Car with trace evidence, license plate matches, surveillance footage.
- Shell casings with possible DNA/toolmarks.
- Ballistics match to gun found in McKee’s possession.
- Phone and digital footprints disproving alibi.
- Testimonies of prior threats, stalking behavior.
- Modus Operandi:
- Break-in or entry due to familiarity.
- Close-range shootings while victims in bed.
- Use of silencer—showing intent and premeditation.
TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS
- [03:18]: Discovery of double murder scene, children found unharmed.
- [09:50]: Analysis of casings and forensic potential.
- [12:36]: Video evidence showing suspect lurking near the home.
- [22:40]: McKee’s arrest at Chick-fil-A, ATF involvement.
- [31:20]: Use of silencer, custom ammunition as evidence of planning.
- [54:22]: Surveillance video captures McKee’s SUV circling the home.
- [60:51]: Autopsy revelations regarding the violence inflicted.
- [64:07]: Friend’s emotional remembrance of Monique.
CONCLUSION
Nancy Grace and her guest experts methodically break down this chilling case—a tragic story of jealousy, obsession, and murder that left two children orphaned. The episode demonstrates how a digital trail, forensic science, and community awareness contributed to quickly identifying and capturing the alleged killer. As friends and family mourn, the conversation highlights the victim’s lives and the far-reaching devastation caused by such violence.
If you have any information related to this case, contact Columbus PD at 614-645-2228.
End of Summary.
