Going West: True Crime

Episode 572 – Monique and Spencer Tepe / Part 2 (Happening Now)

Release Date: January 11, 2026
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman

Episode Overview

This special Saturday episode brings an urgent update on the double homicide of Monique and Spencer Tepe of Columbus, Ohio. Following their previous deep-dive into the case, hosts Daphne and Heath respond to breaking news: Monique’s ex-husband, Michael David McKee, has been arrested for the murders. The episode explores the details of the arrest, newly surfaced background information, and ongoing mysteries regarding motive and the relationship dynamics, all as details unfold in real-time.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News: Arrest of Michael McKee

• Arrest Announcement (03:19):

  • The hosts open with the news that Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, was arrested earlier that day in Rockford, Illinois.
  • Surveillance footage was crucial: a vehicle seen just before and after the murders was traced from Columbus, Ohio, to Rockford and linked to McKee.
  • The Tepe family’s statement:

    “Today's arrest represents an important step towards justice for both Spencer and Monique.” (04:32, Family Statement quoted by Daphne)

• Victims & Context:

  • Spencer and Monique Tepe were shot and killed at home (Wineland Park, Columbus) in the early hours of December 30, 2025. Their two children (ages 4 and 1) were unharmed.
  • There were no signs of forced entry, and the neighborhood is generally considered safe and well-insulated.

2. The Life of Monique Tepe: Humanizing the Victim (05:12)

• Daphne and Heath respond to feedback questioning the focus on Spencer's career over Monique's life.
• Monique’s Background:
  • Passionate about children; worked in daycare while attending college.
  • Attended Ohio State University, earned a master’s in early childhood education.
• Marriage and Family:
  • Met Spencer online post-divorce from McKee, married privately in December 2020.

“Her family said being a mom was her greatest joy, and there was nothing wrong with a woman wanting to be a mother...” (05:04, Daphne)

3. Unfolding Details of the Crime (09:00)

• Timeline:
  • The murder took place at approximately 3:52 am (10:00); previous estimates gave a wider window (2–5 am).
• Discovery:
  • Concern rose when Spencer did not show up for work; friends called 911 and urged police to break in due to locked doors.
  • No clear information on forced entry or how the assailant entered.
  • Neighbors in the closely built street heard nothing; speculation rises about the use of a silencer (11:23).

4. Suspect Profile: Michael David McKee (13:54)

• Who is Michael McKee?
  • Age 39, vascular surgeon living in Chicago (Lincoln Park), working in Rockford, IL.
  • Education: Bishop Rosecrans High School (Zanesville, OH), Ohio State University (Medicine/Public Health).
  • No prior criminal record; previous medical licenses in several states.

“We kind of believed in this guy and he totally fucking let us down.” (07:31, Daphne)

• Relationship with Monique:
  • Known since childhood (first grade, per an unverified source).
  • Married in August 2015, separated after 7 months, divorced June 2017.
  • Divorce described as "amicable," no children together, standard asset-related restraining orders.

5. How Police Closed In (13:08)

• Surveillance on the street traced a specific vehicle to McKee, found in Rockford, IL.
• McKee owned the car since September 2025.
• Arrested at/near his workplace at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center (27:41).
• Booked without incident at Winnebago County Jail (28:47).
• The arrest warrant explicitly accuses McKee of killing Monique and Spencer with a firearm (29:00).

6. Possible Motives – The Remaining Mysteries (26:23, 39:28)

• No clear motive released; speculation ranges from financial grievances to unresolved personal vendettas.
  • Old divorce debt of ~$1200 is addressed and dismissed as likely motive (“I can't imagine he murdered her over $1200 seven years earlier…” 32:14, Daphne).
• September 2025 court actions: Divorce file was briefly reopened for unspecified reasons; hearing labeled with 'custody,' which Ohio court shorthand may not mean child custody (39:28).
  • No indication Monique and McKee had children together.
  • Court file activity in 2025 could potentially relate to motive, but details are unknown.

7. Community & Family Response (33:59, 34:44)

• The Tepe family releases a statement thanking law enforcement and emphasizing their trust in the justice system and community support.
• Family sources now reveal suspicion towards McKee existed earlier but was withheld to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.

8. Unanswered Questions & Next Steps

• Were Monique and Michael in recent contact?
• Was there harassment, renewed attachment, or other ongoing issues since their 2017 divorce?
• No evidence found of Michael stalking or maintaining online connections, but both parties had minimal social media presence.
• Case still unfolding — next hearing scheduled for January 12, 2026, with the public awaiting further affidavits and evidence.

9. Call to Action and Support

• Hosts promote a GoFundMe for the Tepe children (41:38).
• Encourage listeners to follow their social channels for real-time updates.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Reaction to Arrest:

  “Honestly, this was kind of the furthest thing from my mind that was going to happen. But now that we know...we can finally dive into some of the details...” (02:18, Heath)

• On Initial Suspect Theories:

  “We kind of believed in this guy and he totally fucking let us down.” (07:31, Daphne)

• About Motives & Surprises in True Crime:

  “If it turns out that assets were the motive, which is just hard for me to believe, we will...but clearly I don’t know shit about shit because I didn’t think he was guilty either.” (32:11, Daphne — trademark candid commentary)

• Family’s Official Statement:

  “Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken too soon. But we are grateful...for the continued support, prayers, and compassion shown throughout this tragedy. As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable.” (33:59, statement read by Daphne)

• On Unresolved Motive and Community Theories:

  “Was he stalking Monique and or Spencer, Was he harassing them, maybe trying to get Monique back?” (34:48, Daphne)

  • Rumors surfaced about possible subsequent marriages or relationships for McKee, but are largely unconfirmed and speculative (35:21).

• Comic Relief:

  “Somebody on Reddit said that he looks like the human version of SpongeBob...his head looks like a Lego...he kind of has a square head, square face.” (27:21, Heath & Daphne)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:51 — Introduction and context for urgent Saturday update
• 03:19 — Arrest summary and how police tracked the suspect
• 05:12 — Monique Tepe’s life and background detail
• 09:00 — Recap of crime scene and timeline clarification
• 13:08 — Surveillance, vehicle tracing, and suspect background
• 26:23 — Delving into divorce and subsequent court action
• 32:14 — Analysis and dismissal of financial motive theory
• 33:59 — Tepe family’s public statement
• 34:44 — Revelation of family suspicions and discussion of possible harassment
• 39:28 — In-depth look at 2025 court docket activity labeled ‘custody’
• 41:38 — GoFundMe and community calls to action

Conclusion

The episode serves as a live case study of true crime reporting in real time, as the investigation into Monique and Spencer Tepe’s murders transitions from speculation to the charging of a known suspect. The hosts—openly shocked by the arrest—diligently walk listeners through each emerging fact and also point to what remains unknown, teasing new updates after McKee’s hearing. The emphasis remains both on humanizing the victims and responsibly parsing rumor from fact, while cautioning that critical pieces, especially around motive, remain elusive. Listeners are encouraged to support the Tepe children and to follow for updates as more information becomes public.