The sister of slain Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe has broken her silence for the first time nearly three weeks after the tragic double homicide that claimed the lives of her brother and his wife, Monique Tepe, in their Columbus home on December 30, 2025. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, Madeleine Tepe Misleh opened up about the profound grief her family has endured in private, while sharing heartfelt memories of her older brother and reflecting on the devastating loss that has left two young children orphaned.

Madeleine described Spencer as one of her biggest cheerleaders throughout her life. She recalled a poignant final moment with him on Christmas Day 2025—just days before the murders—when he proudly admired her latest artistic creation: princess dresses handmade for his 3-year-old daughter, Emilia (with ages reported variably as 4 and 1 for the children across sources, but consistently young). “He beamed at her latest artistic creation,” she shared, highlighting Spencer’s warm, supportive nature as a devoted uncle, father, and sibling. The family had been grieving quietly, processing the unimaginable horror in the weeks following the discovery of the bodies, but Madeleine’s interview marks the first public statement from Spencer’s direct sibling side amid ongoing legal proceedings.

The murders occurred in the early morning hours of December 30, when Spencer Tepe, 37, a well-regarded dentist practicing in Columbus (with prior ties to Ashland and Mason areas), and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, were found shot to death in their upscale home in the Weinland Park neighborhood on North 4th Street. Friends, concerned after Spencer failed to appear at his dental office and calls to the couple went unanswered, requested a welfare check. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the couple with apparent gunshot wounds—Spencer suffering multiple, Monique at least one to the chest—while their two young children (a girl around 4 and a boy around 1) and the family dog remained physically unharmed in the home. No signs of forced entry were reported, and no firearm was initially recovered at the scene.

The case quickly drew national attention as a targeted domestic-related attack rather than a random act of violence. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant described it as such during updates, noting the timeframe of the shootings narrowed to between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Surveillance footage captured a person of interest in a nearby alley, and a chilling 911 call from a friend who discovered the bodies added to the heartbreak: “There’s a body,” the caller reported in shock.

The breakthrough came on January 10, 2026, when Michael David McKee, 39—a vascular surgeon and Monique’s ex-husband from a brief marriage ending in divorce in 2017—was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, following a 10-day manhunt. Authorities linked him through vehicle surveillance near the crime scene and his travel from Illinois (approximately a 7-hour drive). McKee faces charges including aggravated murder, burglary, and multiple counts of murder, with prosecutors alleging he drove to Columbus, entered the home while the children slept, fatally shot the couple, and fled. A weapon preliminarily matched to the crime scene was recovered from his Chicago-area property during subsequent searches, along with other firearms.

Family members, including brother-in-law Rob Misleh (married to Spencer’s sister), have spoken previously about the dynamics leading to the tragedy. Rob told ABC News that Monique “just had to get away from him,” referring to her fear and determination to leave the abusive relationship with McKee years earlier. The Tepes married in January 2020 (or 2021 in some reports) and were approaching their fifth anniversary. They were remembered as the “glue” holding the family together—devoted parents, community pillars, and positive influences. Spencer was particularly noted for his work as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, where he made a lasting impact on a young mentee and was described as “different” in his dedication.

Madeleine’s interview emphasizes the personal toll: the family’s silence in the initial weeks stemmed from overwhelming grief and a desire to protect the children, who were found just feet away from their parents but unaware of the full horror. A relative noted that the 4-year-old daughter recently said goodbye to her “mommy and daddy,” yet carries on their “infectious energy,” shining through as a living legacy of her parents’ love and warmth.

The couple’s obituary and funeral arrangements, announced in early January, highlighted their welcoming spirits and commitment to family and community. Friends and colleagues echoed this, portraying Spencer as someone who loved his job, showed up every day with enthusiasm, and treated patients and mentees with genuine care.

As the investigation continues—with McKee indicted and awaiting extradition or further proceedings—the family’s decision to speak out reflects a shift from private mourning to public remembrance. Madeleine’s words serve as a tribute to Spencer’s supportive role in her life and a heartbreaking acknowledgment of what was stolen: not just two lives, but the future for two innocent children and the extended family left behind.

May Spencer and Monique Tepe rest in peace, and may their children find strength and healing in the love that surrounds them. The case underscores the devastating reach of domestic violence, even years after separation, and the importance of vigilance and support systems for those escaping harmful relationships.