True Crime with Kendall Rae

Episode: Ohio Couple Ambushed in Their Home: The Double Murder of Spencer & Monique Tepe

Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Kendall Rae
Podcast: True Crime with Kendall Rae by Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Overview

In this gripping episode, Kendall Rae delves into the tragic double homicide of Spencer and Monique Tepe, an Ohio couple and parents who were brutally murdered in their Columbus home in late December 2025. Through an empathetic and thorough lens, Kendall explores the timeline, the personal lives of the victims, the shocking arrest of Monique’s ex-husband—a Chicago-based surgeon—and the many lingering questions in this still-evolving case. The goal: to accurately convey what is known, dispel rumors, and keep the focus on the lives and legacy of the victims.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Were Monique and Spencer Tepe?

(02:00–10:00)

• Monique (Mo) Tepe: Born 1986 in Chicago, raised in Worthington, Ohio. Passionate about working with children, she earned a master’s in early childhood education and was described as caring, bubbly, and “the type of friend that you would truly be lucky to have.”
  • Quote: “People say that her smile was bright, her laugh was just infectious, and that she was a type of friend that you would truly be lucky to have… That’s the vibe I get from Monique.” (04:37, Kendall Rae)
• Spencer Tepe: Two years younger, Ohio native, loved sports and languages, became a dentist, and was deeply involved in mentorship work with Big Brothers Big Sisters—mentoring a boy named Hans for years.
  • Quote: “Spencer really was someone who loved to be of service to others, help others in need, and this was something I love to hear about him.” (06:00, Kendall Rae)
• Their Relationship & Family: Met online, married at home in 2020, loved by their social circle, described as “amazing parents” of a 4-year-old daughter and 17-month-old son.

2. Timeline of the Discovery

(14:45–23:00)

• December 30, 2025: Spencer doesn’t show up for work—alarming for his colleagues.
• First 911 Call (from boss): Dispatch is skeptical, sends officer to wrong address and leaves after nobody answers.
  • Quote: “He, along with Spencer's other co-workers, knew that it would have to take something serious for him to just not show up and not tell anyone.” (16:30, Kendall Rae)
• Second and Third 911 Calls: Friends arrive at the correct home, hear children inside, and consider breaking in. The dispatcher agrees to send officers again (19:22).
• Horrific Discovery: At 10:03 am, friend Alex Diddy enters, finds Spencer’s body upstairs, and calls 911.
  • Quote: "There's a body. Our friend wasn't answering his phone… he appears dead. There's blood." (20:31, Alex Diddy)

3. Crime Scene Details & Immediate Community Impact

(23:00–29:00)

• Both Victims Killed by Gunshot: Three 9mm shell casings recovered, suggesting premeditated murder and not a murder-suicide (no weapon found).
• Children Found Unharmed: Both kids were in the home at the time, likely shielded from the crime scene.
  • Quote: “They were described as, quote, happy and unaware, which is just a huge relief to hear.” (23:56, Kendall Rae)
• No Forced Entry: Heightens suspicion the attack was personal; adds to confusion and fear in the neighborhood.
• Community Response: Police ask for surveillance video submissions; tight-lipped law enforcement adds to local anxiety.

4. Investigation Breakthroughs & Evidence

(29:00–37:00)

• Surveillance Footage: Nest camera catches a hooded man in the alley behind the Tepes' home between 2–5 am on the night of the murders.
• Police Chief Elaine Bryant’s Update: Emphasizes the thoroughness of the investigation and the many tips received; confirms person of interest is being sought.
  • Quote: "We're asking the community, we're asking the public, if you have any information… please contact [us]." (32:10, Chief Bryant)
• Other 911 Calls (Debunked): Previous nearby 911 calls from months before are not believed to be connected; no known history of domestic calls at the Tepe residence.

5. Suspect Identified: Ex-Husband Michael David McKee

(39:00–46:00)

• January 10, 2026: Michael McKee, Monique’s ex-husband and a vascular surgeon living in Chicago, is arrested and later indicted for aggravated murder and burglary.
  • Quote: “Her ex-husband, a literal surgeon, by the way, was arrested for this. And the more details I have learned, the more baffled and disgusted I become.” (40:20, Kendall Rae)
• Link to the Crime: Surveillance tracked McKee’s vehicle making the 325-mile trip. His possession of the car before/after the crime was established. Weapons, including one preliminarily matching the murder weapon, found in his apartment.
  • Quote: “Detectives were able to identify a suspect through neighborhood video surveillance...tracked to a vehicle which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides.” (41:00, Kendall Rae)

6. Relationship History: Emotional Abuse and Past Threats

(46:00–55:00)

• Monique and Michael’s Relationship: Married August 2015, separated seven months later, divorced in 2017. Divorce attributed to incompatibility, with Monique returning to Ohio.
• Abuse Allegations: After the arrest, Monique’s brother-in-law Rob asserts Michael was emotionally abusive and had threatened Monique’s life multiple times.
  • Quote: “She was terrified because he had threatened her life on multiple occasions when they were married.” (49:25, Rob)
  • Monique’s Wedding Vows Reference: She mentioned “a wrong relationship and a waterfall of tears in her past.”
• Notable Community Insight: Family and friends were not surprised upon hearing of Michael’s arrest, having long feared what he was capable of.

7. Unanswered Questions and Remaining Mysteries

(56:00–73:00)

• Why the Attack Now? Despite being divorced since 2017, McKee allegedly held a grudge—or was unable to accept Monique’s happiness.
  • Quote: “I think he could not fathom her happiness. And she was so happy.” (57:09, Gina, Monique’s friend)
• No Evidence of Recent Contact: Friends/family unaware of recent interactions; possibility of “sociopathic” behavior, obsessive monitoring.
• Access to Home: No forced entry; speculation that McKee may have known the keypad code, found an unlocked door, or used stealth to enter undetected.
• Forensic Details: Time of death specified as 3:52 am, suggesting data from digital devices or surveillance; ongoing analysis of electronic evidence.
• Possible Motive: McKee’s life was reportedly spiraling—malpractice suit, career troubles, allegations of incompetence. Potential that a court notification “set him off.”

8. Status of Children and Family Support

(68:12–71:00)

• Children’s Well-Being: The kids are now surrounded by loving family who plan to share memories of their parents and ensure they’re supported.
• Quote from Family Statement: “We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.” (70:30, Family Statement read by Kendall Rae)
• GoFundMe Launched: For the children’s long-term care and support.

9. Legal Developments and Next Steps

(71:30–73:00)

• Next Hearing & Extradition: McKee waived extradition and will be brought to Ohio for trial. The death penalty is on the table.
• Plea: He intends to plead not guilty. Investigation ongoing with details being guarded to preserve case integrity.
• Community & Family Hope for Justice: The investigation is progressing rapidly, and those closest to the victims believe justice is within reach.
  • Quote: “I do feel very hopeful about this investigation and the direction that it’s going in… I have a good feeling that there will be justice for Monique and Spencer.” (61:48, Kendall Rae)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Monique’s character:
  “She was known for having a super big heart that was just shared with others… her smile was bright, her laugh was just infectious.” (04:35, Kendall Rae)
• On relief for the children:
  “They were described as, quote, happy and unaware, which is just a huge relief to hear.” (23:56, Kendall Rae)
• On the botched welfare check:
  “Columbus PD sent an officer out to perform a welfare check, but he went to the wrong house.” (16:30, Kendall Rae)
• On the calculated nature of the crime:
  “We can also say that multiple weapons were taken from the property of McKee. And there is a preliminary link… that ties it to the homicides.” (44:10, Chief Bryant)
• On community fear and uncertainty:
  “That leaves a lot of room for what ifs and people are going to what if it up. But at the end of the day, if that means ensuring that a monster goes to jail forever, then that's absolutely what should happen.” (73:00, Kendall Rae)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Monique and Spencer’s Background: 02:00–10:00
• First 911 Call & Police Response: 15:30–16:30
• Friend’s Discovery and 911 Call: 20:31–22:51
• Crime Scene and Initial Evidence: 23:00–29:00
• Police Chief Interview/Update: 30:59–32:30
• Arrest and Connection to Ex-Husband: 39:00–46:00
• Rob (Brother-in-law) on Past Threats: 49:25–49:56
• Friend’s Perspective on Motive & History: 55:35–57:41
• Legal Updates/Family Statement: 70:30–71:15

Conclusion

Kendall Rae’s coverage of the Tepe double homicide blends careful reporting, compassion, and community awareness—keeping the spotlight on the victims while navigating intense public interest and rapid investigation developments. As the case moves toward trial, many questions persist, particularly about motive, method of entry, and what led to such a violent act so many years after the divorce. The episode is a moving call for both justice and ongoing remembrance.

[GoFundMe for the Tepe children: Link provided by Kendall Rae at end of episode]