WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Recently released autopsy findings have revealed new and disturbing details surrounding the deaths of an Ohio dentist and his wife, who were fatally shot inside their Columbus home late last year. According to official reports from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, both victims died within minutes after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, confirming the deaths were swift and violent.
The victims were identified as Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife, Monique Tepe, 39. The couple was discovered deceased on December 30 inside their residence, while their two young children were reportedly inside the home at the time of the fatal incident. Authorities later arrested Monique Tepe’s former husband, Michael McKee, who has since been charged with murder in connection with the killings.
Autopsy reports ruled both deaths as homicides caused by multiple gunshot wounds. Medical examiners found that Spencer Tepe had been shot seven times, sustaining injuries to his head, neck, torso, and upper extremities. The coroner determined that the gunshots caused catastrophic damage to vital organs, including the brain and lungs, resulting in severe internal bleeding. Based on these findings, officials concluded that Spencer Tepe died within seconds to minutes of being shot.
A separate autopsy report revealed that Monique Tepe suffered nine gunshot wounds to her face, chest, torso, and arms. Similar to her husband, the injuries were deemed rapidly fatal, with death occurring almost immediately after the shooting. Toxicology results for both victims showed no presence of alcohol or illegal substances. However, investigators noted that Monique had prescription medications in her system, including an antidepressant and antihistamines, which were not considered contributing factors in her death.
Michael McKee was arrested on January 10 in Rockford, Illinois, before being extradited to Columbus, Ohio. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to four counts of aggravated murder with firearm specifications, as well as aggravated burglary. Court records indicate that several of the charges involve allegations of using or displaying an automatic firearm or a silencer during the commission of the crimes.
Investigators were able to identify McKee as a suspect by tracing a vehicle seen entering the Tepes’ neighborhood shortly before the shootings and leaving immediately afterward. The vehicle was later linked to Rockford, Illinois, and registered to McKee. Columbus police also confirmed that multiple firearms were recovered from McKee’s property, with preliminary forensic evidence connecting at least one weapon to the murders.
The bodies of Spencer and Monique Tepe were ultimately discovered by a friend who went to the home after repeated attempts to contact the couple went unanswered. The case continues to draw attention as authorities proceed with prosecution in what has become one of Columbus’s most tragic and closely followed homicide investigations.
