The investigation into the killings of Spencer Tepe and his wife, Monique Tepe, has taken a dramatic turn as Columbus police confirmed new evidence that is reshaping the trajectory of the case. During a newly held press briefing, investigators announced that weapons recovered from the Chicago residence of Dr. Michael David McKee — Monique’s ex-husband and a surgeon based in Illinois — have undergone preliminary federal ballistics analysis. According to officials, at least one of the firearms seized shows a “preliminary ballistic correlation” to evidence recovered at the crime scene, a development that significantly strengthens the investigative lens now focusing on McKee.
Spencer and Monique Tepe were found shot to death inside their Columbus home on December 30, a discovery that stunned the community and set off a multi-state investigation. For nearly two weeks, authorities maintained public silence while examining digital evidence, tracking movements, and coordinating with federal agencies. Their confirmation this week marks the most substantial public update since McKee was identified as a suspect and subsequently charged with two counts of murder.
Police revealed that during a search of McKee’s Chicago condo, investigators collected multiple firearms. Officials stopped short of specifying how many weapons were seized or what types they were, but emphasized that one firearm is showing “concerning consistency” with ballistic evidence gathered in Ohio. Such correlations do not constitute final proof and require additional forensic confirmation, but they are considered highly significant in homicide investigations.
Alongside the weapon findings, authorities also disclosed new details about McKee’s arrest that raise more questions about his movements in the days following the double homicide. While earlier reports indicated he was apprehended in Illinois, the ATF has now confirmed that the arrest occurred specifically in Rockford — a city roughly 90 miles northwest of Chicago. Investigators did not say why McKee was there, how long he had been in Rockford, or whether he was attempting to evade law enforcement.
This revelation stands out because it suggests McKee may have been moving between multiple locations after the murders. Prior reporting had noted surveillance tracking his vehicle, but authorities had not previously explained how or when he ended up in Rockford. The timing and location of his arrest now form an additional thread investigators are working to reconstruct. Police say they are reviewing digital data, travel records, and vehicle movements in the immediate hours and days before the arrest.
The press conference also made clear that investigators believe more evidence is likely to surface. Detectives described the case as “active, accelerating, and rapidly evolving,” signaling that the inquiry is far from complete and that additional charges or details may emerge as forensic work continues. They noted that the federal ballistic match is still preliminary but emphasized that it is the strongest physical evidence yet tying McKee to the scene.
Authorities did not comment on a potential motive. However, their phrasing — including repeated references to the ex-husband relationship — suggests investigators are examining personal history closely. Public records confirm that McKee and Monique divorced in 2017, but police have not disclosed whether there were prior conflicts, altercations, or ongoing disputes that may have informed the investigation.
What investigators are willing to say is that the discovery of ballistic matches represents a major development. Forensics experts often rely on ballistic signatures — microscopic lines, patterns, and impacts left on bullets and casings — to identify possible weapon-to-crime connections. Although such matches must eventually be verified through more detailed laboratory analysis, preliminary findings are used to guide next investigative steps. In this case, the correlation is strong enough that detectives publicly discussed it, an indication of its potential importance.
Officials also confirmed that federal agencies, including the ATF and FBI, are collaborating closely due to the multi-state nature of the case. Chicago police assisted with the search at McKee’s residence, while federal agents helped trace weapon histories and analyze ballistic patterns. The Rockford arrest, too, involved a coordinated effort among federal and local authorities. The multi-agency operation underscores the seriousness with which investigators are approaching the case.
Meanwhile, the deaths of Spencer and Monique continue to reverberate among friends, family, and the community. Spencer, a well-regarded dentist, and Monique, who had a strong presence in both Ohio and Illinois social circles, were found inside their home by officers performing a welfare check. Initial reports indicated that their two young children were in the house but physically unharmed, a detail that has added another layer of emotional weight to the case.
As for McKee, investigators have not provided specifics about his demeanor during the arrest or interrogation. They declined to answer questions about whether he made statements, invoked his rights, or cooperated with law enforcement. Public records show he has remained in custody since his arrest and is currently being held without bond pending further proceedings.
The case now appears to be shifting toward a clearer narrative: a potential link between the seized weapon, ballistic analysis, McKee’s movements, and the crime scene. Yet police emphasized that the investigation is far from over. More digital evidence is being processed, timelines are being reconstructed, and additional forensic analysis is underway. Detectives are preparing to examine everything from travel history to communications data to determine how the events of December 30 unfolded — and why.
For the Columbus community, the press briefing provided both answers and new uncertainties. While the preliminary ballistic match intensifies scrutiny on McKee, several key questions remain unresolved. Why was he in Rockford? How long had he been there? Was he attempting to flee, or did he have another reason for traveling? And perhaps most critically: what happened in the hours leading up to the murders?
Authorities say they will release further updates when possible but are urging patience as complex forensic work continues. For now, the arrest details, the recovered weapons, and the initial ballistic match represent the clearest picture yet of a case that has gripped Ohio and drawn national attention.
What is certain is that this investigation has entered a new phase. The Ohio murder mystery is no longer just a broad inquiry — it is tightening around a central figure, and with each new development, the focus sharpens on one name: Dr. Michael David McKee.
