Drop Dead Serious: The Columbus Double Homicide

Prologue: A City on Edge

Columbus, Ohio. The city’s heartbeat is steady, its neighborhoods alive with the rhythm of everyday life. But in the first days of January 2026, that rhythm was shattered. A beloved dentist and his wife were found murdered in their home, their children left behind in the aftermath. The case quickly became a crucible for fear, speculation, and relentless pursuit of justice.

This is the story of Spencer and Monnique Tepee, the investigation that gripped a nation, and the shocking arrest that turned everything upside down.

Chapter 1: The Breaking News

January 10th, 2026. Eleven days after the murders, Ashley Banfield goes live with breaking news: an arrest has been made. The air is thick with relief and disbelief. For days, the city had been haunted by the specter of a killer at large, the echoes of another infamous case—the Idaho student murders—still fresh in the public mind.

But this time, justice might come sooner. The suspect is not a stranger. He is Dr. Michael David McKe, a medical doctor, a vascular surgeon, and—most shockingly—Monnique Tepee’s ex-husband.

Chapter 2: The Victims

Spencer Tepee was the embodiment of reliability. A dentist in Athens, Ohio, he was known for his gentle touch, unwavering professionalism, and devotion to his family. He was a graduate of Ohio State University, a fan of the Buckeyes and the Bengals, and a man who loved golf, travel, and spending time with his wife and children.

Monnique “Mo” Tepee was equally cherished. Her background in early childhood education made her a beacon for young families. Friends described her as warm, creative, and the soul of every gathering. Their marriage, captured in a now-viral wedding video, seemed idyllic.

Together, they built a life in a newly renovated townhouse in Columbus, raising two young children and a golden doodle. Their world was ordinary, loving, and safe—or so it seemed.

Chapter 3: The Crime

On the morning of December 30th, Spencer’s office in Athens called police. He hadn’t shown up for work—a first. Concern mounted quickly. Friends arrived at the Tepee home, heard children inside, but got no answer at the door. When they finally entered, they discovered a scene of horror: Spencer and Monnique dead, their children unharmed but traumatized.

Police arrived, and the investigation began. There was no sign of forced entry. Three 9mm shell casings were found. The children and the dog were safe, but the parents were gone.

Chapter 4: The Investigation Begins

The Columbus Police Department faced immediate pressure. The city wanted answers. The media demanded updates. Detectives worked around the clock, sifting through surveillance footage, interviewing neighbors, and analyzing forensic evidence.

The parallels to the Idaho case were unmistakable—an unknown assailant, a targeted attack, and a community on edge. But unlike Idaho, the police moved swiftly. Neighborhood cameras provided crucial clues. A vehicle was seen arriving before the murders and leaving right after.

Chapter 5: The Suspect

Dr. Michael David McKe. Age 39. Six-foot-one, 200 pounds, brown hair, green eyes. His address: a luxury high-rise on North Lincoln Park West in Chicago, overlooking Lake Michigan. He was a vascular surgeon with a prestigious background, having graduated from Ohio State University Medical School in 2014 and completed years of residency and fellowship.

But beneath the surface, there were hints of financial struggles and personal turmoil. His marriage to Monnique had been brief—seven months together before separating, and over a year before the divorce was finalized. It was a quiet blip in Monnique’s life, barely mentioned, but now at the center of a murder investigation.

Chapter 6: The Marriage and Divorce

Ashley Banfield’s team dug into the divorce filings. The details were telling. Monnique listed her engagement and wedding rings as separate property, noting simply, “I paid.” The engagement ring was valued at $2,500, the wedding ring at $3,500—unusual, perhaps, but not unheard of.

The divorce itself was swift, finalized in six weeks after a year-long separation. There was no trial, no acrimony on paper. Both parties had moved on, living in different states, working different jobs. A standard mutual restraining order was filed, prohibiting harassment and bodily harm—a boilerplate measure in Ohio, but still notable.

Chapter 7: The Arrest

Early on January 10th, police arrested Dr. McKe in Illinois. He was held on an out-of-state warrant for two counts of murder, awaiting extradition to Ohio. The arrest was the result of painstaking detective work—surveillance footage, vehicle tracking, and forensic evidence from inside the car.

It wasn’t a dramatic confession or a tip from the public. It was technology and persistence. The vehicle seen near the Tepee home belonged to McKe. Evidence inside the car tied him to the crime.

Chapter 8: The Motive

As the news broke, questions multiplied. Why would a successful doctor kill his ex-wife and her husband? What drove him to Columbus in the middle of the night? Was it jealousy, rage, or something deeper?

Theories abounded. Was it years of resentment boiling over? Did he see Monnique’s new life—her happy marriage, beautiful home, and children—and snap? Was there financial acrimony, unresolved anger, or simply a tragic inability to let go?

Police had not released a motive. The public was left to speculate, drawing connections to other notorious cases and wondering what secrets might still be hidden.

Chapter 9: The Forensics

Three shell casings. Monnique shot once in the chest, Spencer multiple times. Was it a crime of passion, or something more calculated? Did the killer try to make one suffer more than the other? Did he pick up casings on the way out, or leave them as a message?

The forensic evidence would be crucial. DNA, ballistics, and digital footprints could tell the story that the victims could not.

Chapter 10: The 911 Calls

The case was further complicated by a 911 call from the Tepee home months before the murders. A distraught woman called at 2:45 a.m., insisting she was okay after an argument. Police canceled their response, and later confirmed it was not Monnique on the line.

The call raised more questions than answers. Was it a party guest, a neighbor, or someone else entirely? Police confirmed there was no history of domestic calls or 911 activity from the home. The mystery deepened.

Chapter 11: The Scene and Response

Body cam footage revealed another twist: police had gone to the wrong house during the initial welfare check. Instead of 1411 North Fourth Street, they arrived at 1417. The error delayed their response and may have compromised crucial evidence—footprints, the crime scene, and the timeline.

Friends and family, desperate for answers, called police repeatedly. When they finally entered the home, they found the children upstairs, the parents dead, and a scene that would haunt them forever.

Chapter 12: The Children

The Tepee children, ages four and seventeen months, were rescued by Spencer’s friend, Alex Diddy. His 911 call was heart-wrenching. “There’s a body. There’s blood. I can’t get closer.” He led the children downstairs, shielding them from the worst of the carnage.

The family’s uncle later confirmed the children did not witness the murders or aftermath. Therapy and support became a daily reality as the family struggled to heal.

Chapter 13: The Aftermath

Columbus rallied around the Tepee family. Vigils were held, fundraisers organized, and the children placed in the care of loving relatives. The city’s grief was palpable, but so was its determination to find justice.

The investigation continued, with police combing through digital evidence—phone records, laptop searches, vehicle geolocation data. Every detail mattered. Did Dr. McKe case the house? Did he communicate with Monnique in the days before the murders? Did he return to the scene to watch the aftermath?

Chapter 14: The Legal Process

As Dr. McKe sat in jail, the legal process began. Prosecutors weighed the evidence, considering whether to seek the death penalty—Ohio is a death penalty state, and the aggravating factors were clear: multiple victims, children left orphaned, and the cruelty of the crime.

The community watched, waiting for answers. The case was just beginning, but the stakes were already high.

Chapter 15: The Questions

Ashley Banfield’s coverage raised the questions on everyone’s mind. How could a doctor, with years of education and a promising career, become a suspect in such a brutal crime? What secrets did the brief marriage to Monnique conceal? Was there a trigger—an online photo, a wedding video, a moment of rage—that set everything in motion?

Was this a crime of passion, or something more sinister? Did the killer act alone, or were there accomplices? What role did technology play in solving the case, and what lessons could be learned for future investigations?

Chapter 16: The Community

The Columbus community was transformed by the tragedy. Parents locked their doors, watched their children more closely, and formed neighborhood watch groups. The city’s sense of safety was shaken, but its resolve was strengthened.

Local leaders called for unity and resilience. The Tepee family’s pain became a catalyst for change—improved public safety, better support for victims, and a renewed commitment to justice.

Chapter 17: The Legacy

Spencer and Monnique’s legacy endured. Scholarships were established in their name, charities received donations, and the children grew surrounded by love and support. Their story became a lesson in compassion, vigilance, and the power of community.

The case remained open, but the family found ways to move forward, honoring Spencer and Monnique’s memory.

Chapter 18: The Unanswered

Months passed, and the questions lingered. What drove Dr. McKe to Columbus that night? What did police find in his car, his apartment, and his electronics? Was there evidence of months or years of planning, or was it a sudden snap?

The investigation continued, with police determined to bring the killer to justice. The community remained vigilant, united in the face of tragedy.

Chapter 19: The Ripple Effects

The arrest of Dr. Michael David McKe sent shockwaves far beyond Columbus. National news outlets picked up the story, drawing comparisons to other high-profile cases where the perpetrator was educated, respected, and seemingly above suspicion. The public’s fascination with the case grew, fueled by the mystery of motive and the haunting image of two orphaned children.

Spencer’s dental practice in Athens mourned the loss of its leader. Patients and colleagues shared stories of his kindness, professionalism, and gentle humor. Monnique’s friends in education organized memorial fundraisers, remembering her as a beacon of warmth and creativity. The couple’s families, devastated but resilient, focused on supporting the children and honoring the legacy of their loved ones.

Local leaders responded with calls for unity. Candlelight vigils were held at the Tepee home and throughout the city. Community organizations offered counseling and support to those affected by the tragedy. The sense of vulnerability was real, but so was the determination to heal and move forward.

Chapter 20: The Children’s Path

For the Tepee children, the world had changed irrevocably. Their routines were upended, their sense of safety shattered. Family members stepped in, determined to provide stability and love. Therapy became a part of their lives, helping them process their grief and trauma.

Rob Mistla, Monnique’s brother-in-law and now a guardian figure, became a pillar of strength. He created memory books filled with photos and stories, helping the children remember their parents. He encouraged open conversations about feelings, ensuring the children knew they were surrounded by love.

As the months passed, the children began to smile again. Supported by family, friends, and the community, they found moments of happiness and hope. Their resilience became a symbol of the city’s strength.

Chapter 21: The Legal Journey

With Dr. McKe in custody, the legal process unfolded. Prosecutors prepared their case, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Defense attorneys sought to understand the charges and build their own narrative.

Court dates were set, and the community braced for the intense media scrutiny that would accompany any trial. Advocacy groups ensured the children’s needs were met and their privacy respected.

For many, the legal process was a chance for closure. For others, it was a painful reminder of the violence and loss.

Chapter 22: The Search for Motive

Detectives continued to dig deeper, searching for a clear motive. They reviewed every aspect of Spencer and Monnique’s lives, from professional pressures to personal relationships. Was there evidence of obsession or jealousy? Did someone harbor resentment toward the couple? Or was there another reason behind the crime?

Financial records were scrutinized, but no significant irregularities were found. Interviews with friends and colleagues painted a picture of a couple who struggled only with the everyday challenges of parenthood and work.

The investigation also explored the possibility of outside involvement. Could someone else have played a role? Was there a connection to other incidents in the neighborhood, such as the mysterious 911 call or reports of suspicious activity?

Detectives left no stone unturned, determined to bring clarity to a case that had left so many questions unanswered.

Chapter 23: Community Healing

As the weeks turned into months, Columbus began to heal. The memorial outside the Tepee home became a place of reflection, visited by friends, family, and strangers alike. Flowers were refreshed, candles relit, and messages of hope left for the children.

Schools and churches offered additional counseling and support. Community leaders launched initiatives to address domestic violence, mental health, and family support. The legacy of Spencer and Monnique inspired action, turning grief into purpose.

The Tepee children, surrounded by love, began to find their footing. They played in the backyard, attended school, and celebrated birthdays with family and friends. The pain of loss remained, but the promise of a future filled with hope grew stronger each day.

Chapter 24: Lessons Learned

The story of Spencer and Monnique Tepee became a lesson in compassion, vigilance, and resilience. Their lives touched countless others, and their deaths prompted a city—and a nation—to reflect on what truly matters.

Neighbors reached out to those in need, offering help and friendship. The sense of community grew stronger, forged in the crucible of loss.

Local leaders used the case as a catalyst for change. New initiatives were launched to improve public safety, support victims of crime, and strengthen community bonds. The tragedy inspired action, turning grief into purpose.

Chapter 25: The Legacy Endures

Despite the tragedy, Spencer and Monnique’s legacy endured. The community continued to honor their memory, organizing events and fundraisers in their name. The Athens Dental Depot established a scholarship for dental students, dedicated to Spencer’s commitment to education and service.

Monnique’s favorite charity, a local shelter for women and children, received a surge of donations. Volunteers continued her work, inspired by her compassion and generosity.

The Tepee children grew, surrounded by love and support. Their parents’ stories became a source of strength, guiding them through difficult times.

The case remained open, but the family found ways to heal. They focused on the future, cherishing the memories of Spencer and Monnique while building new traditions.

Chapter 26: The Unending Mystery

Years passed, but the mystery of the Tepee murders remained unsolved for many. The shadowy figure in the surveillance video was never identified, and the killer’s motive remained elusive.

Detective Martinez retired, but she continued to follow the case, hoping for a breakthrough. New detectives took up the investigation, reviewing old evidence and searching for new leads.

The family continued to hope for justice, but found peace in knowing they had done everything possible to honor Spencer and Monnique’s memory.

The children, now older, carried their parents’ legacy with pride. They spoke at community events, sharing their story and encouraging others to cherish their loved ones.

Chapter 27: The Power of Community

In the end, the story of Spencer and Monnique Tepee is not just about loss. It is about the power of community, the strength of family, and the enduring impact of love.

Their deaths brought a city together, inspiring acts of kindness and compassion. Their memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew them, and in the lives of their children.

The Columbus double homicide remains a mystery, but it is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The community’s response, the family’s resolve, and the ongoing search for justice are reminders that even in the darkest times, hope endures.

Epilogue: Justice and Remembrance

Today, the memorial outside the Tepee home stands as a symbol of remembrance and hope. Flowers are replaced, candles are lit, and the soccer ball remains—a tribute to childhood innocence and the love that endures.

The investigation continues, with police determined to bring the killer to justice. The community remains vigilant, united in the face of tragedy.

Spencer and Monnique’s story is far from over. As new information emerges and the search for answers persists, their memory will continue to inspire those who knew them and those who hear their story.

In the end, the Columbus double homicide is more than a crime—it is a testament to the power of community, the strength of family, and the enduring impact of love.