Shadows in Columbus: The Teepe Double Murder and the Surgeon’s Secret

By Brian Investigates | January 2026

I. A Quiet Morning, a Shattered Home

On the morning of December 30th, 2025, the city of Columbus, Ohio awoke to a chilling discovery. In a quiet neighborhood on North Fourth Street, the bodies of Dr. Spencer Teepe, a well-known dentist, and his wife, Monnique Teepe, were found shot to death in their home. Two young children—barely old enough to understand the world—were found alive but orphaned, their futures forever altered.

The call to 911 came not from a neighbor, but from Spencer’s coworkers, alarmed when he failed to arrive for work. Within minutes, police and medics arrived, pronouncing both victims dead. The shock rippled outwards, touching colleagues, friends, and a community that had come to know the Teepes as dedicated professionals and loving parents.

II. The First Clues

As Columbus Police Homicide Unit Team 2 initiated their investigation, the scene was both familiar and deeply unsettling. Spencer had been shot multiple times; Monnique, once in the chest. Shell casings littered the floor—a detail that would soon take on greater significance.

But one detail stood out above all: there was no sign of forced entry. The front door, possibly protected by a code, showed no evidence of tampering. How had the killer entered? Did he know the family? Was it a crime of opportunity, or something far more personal?

III. The Car and The Camera

Detectives began combing through neighborhood surveillance footage. Hours of video revealed a vehicle arriving just before the murders—and leaving shortly after. The car’s make and model, traced through traffic cameras and license plate readers, led investigators across state lines to Rockford, Illinois.

Inside the car, they found evidence linking it to one man: Dr. Michael McKe, a vascular surgeon, and Monnique’s ex-husband. The arrest warrant was filed on Saturday, and McKe was taken into custody shortly after lunchtime. It was a stunning development—one that raised more questions than answers.

IV. The Suspect: A Surgeon’s Double Life

Dr. McKe was, by all accounts, a man of accomplishment. An Ohio State University graduate, high school football player, and respected surgeon at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. His colleagues described him as smart, disciplined, and even charming. He had no criminal history beyond a couple of traffic tickets. His medical record was spotless.

But beneath the surface, something had changed. Seven years had passed since his divorce from Monnique. Their marriage had been brief—less than two years, much of it spent apart during McKe’s grueling residency. No children, no complicated assets, and no obvious signs of violence or aggression in the divorce records.

So why, after all these years, would McKe drive to Ohio and allegedly murder his ex-wife and her new husband? What darkness lingered in the mind of a man who had once vowed to heal?

V. The Evidence Builds

The probable cause affidavit was brief—just two paragraphs. It cited the surveillance video and the car, but left much unsaid. Police were careful, revealing only what was necessary to secure the arrest. The rest, they kept close, knowing that a case like this would attract attention from every corner of the country.

Shell casings at the scene could be matched to a gun—if McKe still possessed it. DNA evidence, touch samples, and digital footprints would all play a role. The two young children, found unharmed, became both symbols of hope and tragic reminders of what had been lost.

VI. The Family Responds

The Teepe family, devastated by their loss, released a statement:
“Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon. We thank the community for the continued support, prayers, and compassion shown throughout this case. As the case proceeds, we trust the justice system to hold the person responsible fully accountable. Mo’Nique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward with love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind. We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.”

It was a message of grief, but also of resolve. The family’s pain was matched only by their determination to see justice done.

VII. Unraveling Motives: The Psychology of a Grudge

As the news of Dr. McKe’s arrest broke, shock turned to speculation. Why would a respected surgeon, divorced for seven years, suddenly become a suspect in a double homicide? The question gnawed at everyone—from detectives to neighbors, from family members to the thousands following each development online.

Dr. Casey Jordan, criminologist and host of the podcast Criminal Appeal, offered insight into the psychology that might drive such a crime. Statistically, she explained, women who are murdered are most often killed by an ex-husband or partner. The numbers are stark:

$$70\%-85\%\text{ of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former intimate partner}$$

But what about the seven-year gap? Dr. Jordan warned not to underestimate the power of a grudge collector—someone who holds onto resentment, anger, and betrayal for years, sometimes decades. “Just because it’s been seven years since the divorce doesn’t mean he wasn’t sitting at home, looking at pictures of their happy family and successful careers, feeling the loss more keenly with every passing day,” she said.

The holidays, she noted, often trigger deep reflection and emotional turmoil. For some, January is the cruelest month—dark, cold, and full of reminders of happier times. “People take stock of their lives, and when they feel left behind, that resentment can boil over,” Dr. Jordan explained.

VIII. The Silent Years: What Happened After the Divorce?

The divorce between McKe and Monnique appeared straightforward—no children, no significant assets, no documented violence. Yet the absence of drama on paper didn’t mean the absence of pain or control. Dr. Jordan described two types of abusers: the “pit bull,” whose anger is obvious, and the “cobra,” whose control is hidden, masked by charm and quiet manipulation.

“Some of the most abused wives I’ve worked with have spotless divorce records,” she said. “But they lived in fear, always managing their ex’s moods, careful not to provoke him.” Residency is a notoriously stressful period for doctors, and Monnique may have seen the worst of McKe during those years.

After the divorce, Monnique moved on, marrying Spencer Teepe—a man with an established practice and a reputation for kindness. To McKe, the contrast may have felt like betrayal, a wound that never healed.

IX. The Investigation Tightens

Detectives continued to build their case. The car traced from Columbus to Rockford was the linchpin, but they sought more:

DNA evidence from the crime scene
Shell casings matched to a possible weapon
Digital footprints: phone records, text messages, social media activity

They pored over surveillance footage, trying to determine if the man seen near the Teepes’ home was McKe. The probable cause affidavit was intentionally sparse, but police were confident. “They were on him from day one,” Dr. Jordan said. “It was just a matter of gathering enough evidence to make the arrest.”

X. The Family’s Fears and Community Whispers

As the investigation unfolded, a relative told the Daily Mail that McKe’s arrest was “absolutely not a shock.” They hinted that family members had long suspected trouble, but kept quiet to avoid compromising the investigation. “We are all breathing a bit of a sigh of relief because they got him,” the relative said.

Neighbors and colleagues echoed the sentiment. Some wondered if Monnique had lived in fear, if Spencer’s coworkers knew about tensions with her ex-husband. The urgency of the wellness check—called within an hour of Spencer missing work—suggested that those close to the Teepes were aware of underlying threats.

XI. The Mysteries That Remain

Despite the mounting evidence, questions lingered. How did McKe enter the house without forced entry? Did he know the door code, or was the door simply unlocked? Was there recent contact between McKe and Monnique—a message, a phone call, or an attempt at reconciliation that went wrong?

Police and family denied any recent 911 calls from Monnique, but rumors persisted. The investigation would need to untangle years of history, hidden fears, and silent triggers.

XII. Emotional Fallout: Grief, Shock, and Unanswered Questions

The Columbus community, already shaken by the loss of Spencer and Monnique Teepe, now faced the reality that the alleged killer was someone who had once been part of their circle—a surgeon, a former husband, a man who had walked away years before. The tragedy was compounded by the presence of the two young children, now orphaned and in the care of relatives.

Vigils were held in the Teepes’ honor, candles flickering in the winter darkness. Friends and neighbors gathered, sharing stories of the couple’s generosity and warmth. The children became the focus of collective concern—how would they process what had happened? What memories would linger, and what support could be offered to help them heal?

The Teepe family’s statement became a rallying cry for justice and compassion. The community responded with donations, offers of help, and a determination to see the case through to its conclusion.

XIII. The Legal Process: Extradition and Building the Case

With Dr. McKe in custody in Illinois, the next step was extradition to Ohio. The process was procedural, but fraught with tension. Would McKe waive extradition, as most suspects do, or attempt to delay the inevitable? Legal experts speculated that he would be returned to Ohio quickly, where the case would proceed in the public eye.

The arrest affidavit was brief, but investigators were confident. The car, the surveillance footage, and evidence found in Rockford formed the backbone of their case. But they knew more would be needed for conviction:

Ballistics tests on the shell casings
DNA comparisons
Forensic analysis of digital devices
Testimony from friends, family, and possibly the children

Prosecutors prepared for a high-profile trial, aware that the public was watching. The defense, meanwhile, would likely focus on reasonable doubt, the lack of direct evidence, and McKe’s previously clean record.

XIV. The Broader Implications: Domestic Violence and Silent Threats

As the story gained national attention, experts and advocates weighed in on the patterns that often precede such tragedies. Dr. Casey Jordan’s analysis highlighted the dangers faced by women even years after a relationship ends. The concept of the “cobra” abuser—charming in public, controlling in private—resonated with many who had lived through similar experiences.

Statistics showed that the majority of female homicide victims are killed by current or former partners. The Teepe case was a stark reminder that time does not always heal, and that unresolved emotions can lead to devastating consequences.

The legal and medical communities took note. Surgeons and doctors, often praised for their discipline and control, were reminded that emotional intelligence is just as important as intellectual achievement. The pressures of residency, the isolation of demanding careers, and the inability to seek help were all factors that could contribute to emotional breakdowns.

XV. Searching for Closure: What Comes Next?

As investigators continued their work, the Columbus community waited for answers. Would McKe confess, providing details that could help the family understand what happened? Or would he maintain his innocence, forcing a lengthy and painful trial?

The children’s future remained uncertain, but the outpouring of support gave hope that they would be surrounded by love and care. The Teepe family’s resolve to honor Spencer and Monnique’s memory became a source of strength for all who knew them.

The mystery of how McKe entered the house, what triggered his actions, and whether there were warning signs that could have prevented the tragedy lingered in the minds of many. The case became not just a search for justice, but a call for greater awareness of the silent threats that can exist even in the most peaceful communities.

XVI. In the Courtroom: Truth on Trial

The extradition process moved swiftly, and Dr. Michael McKe soon found himself in an Ohio courtroom, the eyes of the nation upon him. The initial hearings were procedural—a judge reading the charges, attorneys requesting more time to review evidence, the prosecution outlining the basics of their case.

But behind the formality, tension simmered. The prosecution was determined: they had surveillance footage, a car traced across state lines, and the beginnings of a forensic trail. The defense, meanwhile, highlighted the thinness of the arrest affidavit and McKe’s lack of criminal history, hinting at possible doubt.

As the case unfolded, more evidence began to surface. Ballistics matched shell casings to a weapon found in McKe’s possession. DNA analysis linked him to the scene. Forensic experts testified about digital footprints, phone records, and the timeline of events. The children, too young to testify, were shielded from the proceedings, their innocence fiercely protected by family.

The courtroom became a battleground—not just for legal arguments, but for the narrative itself. Was this a sudden snap, triggered by a single event? Or had resentment and control simmered for years, culminating in a calculated act? Experts weighed in, but the ultimate answer lay with the jury.

XVII. The Ripple Effect: Healing and Reflection

Outside the courtroom, the Columbus community continued to grieve and heal. Vigils and memorials for Spencer and Monnique Teepe became places of solace, where neighbors and friends could share memories and offer comfort. The children, now surrounded by loving relatives, began the slow process of recovery—supported by therapists, counselors, and a community determined to help them thrive.

The Teepe family’s statement echoed through every stage of the trial: a call for justice, a commitment to honoring Spencer and Monnique’s legacy, and a promise to protect the children left behind.

Nationally, the case sparked conversations about domestic violence, the long shadow of controlling relationships, and the importance of emotional support for those in high-pressure professions. Advocates called for greater awareness and resources, hoping to prevent future tragedies.

XVIII. Lessons Learned: Beyond the Headlines

The Teepe case became more than a sensational headline—it was a lesson in the complexity of human emotion, the persistence of unresolved pain, and the need for vigilance. It reminded everyone that evil can wear the face of normalcy, that obsession can fester long after a relationship ends, and that justice, though imperfect, is essential.

Dr. Casey Jordan’s words resonated: “Most will never act on their grudges, but some, when life falls apart, will let that bitterness bubble to the surface. We don’t often see double homicides, but it’s more common than people think.”

For the legal and medical communities, the case underscored the importance of emotional intelligence, the need for support systems, and the dangers of unchecked stress and isolation.

XIX. Conclusion: The Light That Remains

As the trial drew to a close, the story of Spencer and Monnique Teepe remained at the heart of the community. Their lives, marked by love, kindness, and dedication, became a symbol of resilience. The children—innocent, hopeful, and surrounded by care—embodied the possibility of healing.

The mystery of what triggered Dr. McKe’s actions, how he entered the home, and whether there were missed warning signs may never be fully resolved. But the pursuit of justice, the support of a grieving community, and the lessons learned from tragedy offered hope.

In the words of the Teepe family: “We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.”

The case of the Teepe murders is a reminder that behind every headline is a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of community. As Columbus moves forward, the memory of Spencer and Monnique Teepe—and the lessons of their tragedy—will remain.