“I HAVE NEVER BEEN JUST A VISITOR”: Chilling Admission from Monique Tepe’s Ex-Husband in Ohio Double Murder Case

The brutal double homicide of Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old respected dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, in their Columbus, Ohio home on December 30, 2025, has shocked the nation. The couple was found shot to death in their upstairs bedroom, with their two young children (ages 1 and 4) and family dog unharmed inside the house. No signs of forced entry were reported, and the case quickly pointed toward a targeted, domestic-related attack.

On January 10, 2026, authorities arrested Michael David McKee, 39, Monique’s ex-husband and a vascular surgeon living in Chicago, in Rockford, Illinois. He was charged with two counts of premeditated aggravated murder, upgraded from initial murder charges. McKee waived extradition and is expected to face trial in Ohio, where he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Here are haunting images from the investigation and aftermath of the Tepe murders, capturing the quiet neighborhood turned crime scene:

This photograph shows the Weinland Park home on North 4th Street in Columbus, cordoned off with police tape after the bodies were discovered on December 30, 2025.

Another sobering view of the exterior, with flowers and tributes left by neighbors and friends in memory of Spencer and Monique.

The case took an even darker turn with revelations from McKee’s statements to investigators. According to court documents and police briefings reported by outlets including ABC News, The Columbus Dispatch, and NBC News, McKee admitted he had made multiple visits to the Tepe home in the months leading up to the killings — far beyond what would be considered normal for an ex-spouse. He described himself as more than “just a visitor,” claiming familiarity with the couple’s routines, the layout of the house, and even when lights typically went out at night.

Here are additional visuals illustrating the surveillance and evidence trail that led to McKee’s arrest:

This still from released neighborhood surveillance video shows a person of interest walking in a nearby alley between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. — the estimated time of the murders — wearing a dark hooded jacket and light-colored pants.

A frame from police-released footage capturing the suspect’s movements, which investigators later linked to McKee through vehicle tracking and other evidence.

Most disturbingly, McKee reportedly confessed to knowledge of a hidden CCTV camera installed in the couple’s bedroom — a detail he had never previously mentioned to Monique or Spencer. Investigators believe this surveillance device may have been placed without the victims’ knowledge, allowing McKee to monitor their movements. The camera’s existence has raised questions about stalking, obsession, and premeditation, with police describing the attack as “targeted” and “domestic violence-related.”

Here are powerful images from memorials and community responses honoring Spencer and Monique:

A heartfelt vigil outside the Tepe home, where friends, patients, and neighbors gathered with candles, flowers, and signs reading “Justice for Spencer & Monique.”

Another emotional tribute scene, featuring photos of the couple smiling together, surrounded by supporters grieving the loss of two devoted parents.

Family members have spoken out about the terror Monique endured during her brief marriage to McKee (2015–2017). Monique’s brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, told NBC News and other outlets that Monique was “terrified” of McKee, describing him as emotionally abusive and threatening. “She was willing to do anything to get out of there,” Misleh said, noting the divorce came abruptly after less than two years. Monique had confided in family about feeling unsafe, and the marriage’s end marked a fresh start for her with Spencer, with whom she shared a loving home and two young children.

Spencer Tepe was remembered as a devoted father, mentor, and fun-loving family man, while Monique was praised for her warmth, humor, and strength. The couple had celebrated nearly five years of marriage and were building a bright future before the tragedy.

Here are more visuals from the investigation updates and public memorials:

This image shows investigators at the scene, highlighting the ongoing search for evidence that tied McKee to the crime.

A community gathering with signs and candles, reflecting the widespread shock and calls for justice in the wake of the double homicide.

Police recovered multiple weapons from McKee’s Illinois property, with one firearm preliminarily linked to the shootings via ballistic testing. Surveillance from the neighborhood alley, combined with vehicle tracking and McKee’s admissions, formed the core of the case against him.

As McKee awaits extradition and trial, the chilling phrase — “I have never been just a visitor” — has become a haunting symbol of obsession turned deadly. The case underscores the long shadows cast by past relationships and the importance of recognizing signs of stalking and abuse.

Spencer and Monique Tepe’s children are now surrounded by loving family, but the void left by their parents is immeasurable. May justice bring some measure of peace to those who loved them.