A neighbor of the man charged in the fatal shootings of an Ohio dentist and his wife says the allegations are difficult to comprehend, describing the situation as “shocking.”
Michael David McKee, 39, was arrested on Saturday, Jan. 10, and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband, Spencer Tepe, 37. The couple was found fatally shot inside their Columbus, Ohio, home on Dec. 30. Their two young children were discovered inside the house unharmed.
Following McKee’s arrest, a neighbor said he appeared to be an ordinary, friendly person and did not display behavior that would suggest violence.
“I sat down with this man and talked with him at the pool, barbecuing, just about everyday things,” the neighbor said. “Then he turns out to be charged as a killer. It’s kind of shocking.”
Authorities emphasized that McKee has been charged but has not been convicted.
Arrest and Charges
Court records show McKee was taken into custody on Jan. 10 and booked into jail later that morning. He is being held pending extradition to Franklin County, Ohio, where he is expected to appear in court on Monday, Jan. 12.
Prosecutors allege McKee is responsible for the shooting deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe, who were discovered after friends and coworkers became concerned when they could not reach the couple.
Welfare Check Led to Discovery
Multiple emergency calls were placed requesting a welfare check after Spencer failed to respond to messages and calls. One caller reported hearing children crying inside the home but receiving no response from adults.
When police entered the residence, they found both Monique and Spencer dead from apparent gunshot wounds. The children, ages 4 and 1, were physically unharmed.
Authorities said the couple was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Evidence
According to a criminal complaint, investigators used neighborhood surveillance footage to identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the homicides. Police allege that evidence showed McKee had possession of the vehicle both before and after the killings.
Based on this evidence, authorities identified McKee as a suspect and later arrested him.
The county coroner’s office confirmed that the apparent cause of death for both victims was gunshot wounds. Final determinations, including toxicology results, are still pending.
Community Reaction
The deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe have deeply shaken the community. Friends and colleagues described the couple as devoted parents, and neighbors expressed disbelief over the circumstances surrounding the case.
A fundraising campaign has been established to help support the couple’s two young children as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
McKee remains in custody as authorities prepare for his transfer to Ohio. The case remains active and ongoing.