Family responds to Ohio domestic incident
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Jan 16, 2026, 21:48 IST
Family members describe Monique Tepe leaving a relationship marked by emotional harm prior to the incident. What followed, according to reports, took place inside a residence in Columbus. The former spouse stands accused of using a firearm against both individuals. Events unfolded within the shared dwelling once occupied by the pair. Details remain under review as authorities examine what led up to the confrontation.
TL;DR
Justice is sought by those close to Monique and Spencer Tepe following charges against her former spouse. Their loved ones mention a history of psychological harm, followed by attempts to leave. Though quiet about details, the circle remembers efforts made behind closed doors. What remains clear now began long before the outcome.
Now comes word from relatives of Monique and Spencer Tepe, following legal action against Monique’s former spouse. Authorities say he planned the violence ahead of time. On December 30, gunfire broke out inside their residence in Columbus. Two lives ended that night. Now missing both parents are two young boys left in care of others. Their future shaped by absence, early loss marking their path forward.
A man named Michael McKee, age thirty-nine, faces an accusation of severe homicide after events that led to two deaths, officials in Columbus report. Without delay, one person died within a residence - Monique Tepe, thirty-one - shortly before another loss occurred: her spouse Spencer, at thirty-two. The sequence unfolded indoors under unclear conditions. The means involved a gun, officials report. Events unfolded at the couple's residence where both individuals died. Details remain under review as legal proceedings move forward. Uninjured children belonging to the pair were discovered at the location where the incident occurred.
“She just had to get away from him,” Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, said during an interview on ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” Misleh described McKee as emotionally abusive during his past marriage to Monique. “She was willing to do anything to get out of there. She was a very strong person,” he said.
Documents from court proceedings, acquired by WSYX - an ABC partner - indicate McKee and Monique Tepe entered marriage in 2015, then legally separated two years later. Shared offspring were absent from the relationship. By December 2020, Monique had begun a new marital union with Spencer, as noted in published memorial details.
On Monday, court saw the presence of McKee, though no plea was entered at that time. The intention to claim not guilty came through remarks by assistant public defender Carie Poirier. Life imprisonment remains a possibility upon conviction, as permitted by legal provisions in Ohio.
It was noted by Misleh that multiple relatives recognized the distress Monique faced while married to McKee. Awareness of his harmful influence, along with her suffering, existed among them, according to Misleh speaking to ABC News. Following her departure from him, effort marked her path toward recovery.
People who knew the Tepes often spoke of their kindness and openness. According to Misleh, they stood out for their welcoming nature. Over a thousand guests came to say goodbye at the service. Their presence showed how deeply the pair was connected to others around them.
Inside the home, officers found both children unharmed following the incident. Stability and daily support have become priorities for relatives as grief unfolds. The young ones remain at the center of quiet efforts shaped by loss.
“We just want justice,” Misleh said. “We want the person who took so much from us and from these kids to be held accountable.”
The investigation remains active under the Columbus Police Department. Details regarding intent have yet to be disclosed by authorities; however, filings suggest accusations are based on physical findings alongside accounts from those present. Evidence collected during initial response appears central to the legal direction taken so far.
Survivors’ supporters note this instance highlights dangers persisting beyond escape from harmful partnerships. According to data collected by a national anti-abuse organization, approximately thirty-three percent of females in the U.S. encounter violence tied to romantic partners at some point.
Should details emerge, authorities expect communication through official channels. At the same time, relatives express a belief that court procedures may lead to responsibility being assigned, possibly deterring future incidents.
Justice is sought by those close to Monique and Spencer Tepe following charges against her former spouse. Their loved ones mention a history of psychological harm, followed by attempts to leave. Though quiet about details, the circle remembers efforts made behind closed doors. What remains clear now began long before the outcome.
Now comes word from relatives of Monique and Spencer Tepe, following legal action against Monique’s former spouse. Authorities say he planned the violence ahead of time. On December 30, gunfire broke out inside their residence in Columbus. Two lives ended that night. Now missing both parents are two young boys left in care of others. Their future shaped by absence, early loss marking their path forward.
A man named Michael McKee, age thirty-nine, faces an accusation of severe homicide after events that led to two deaths, officials in Columbus report. Without delay, one person died within a residence - Monique Tepe, thirty-one - shortly before another loss occurred: her spouse Spencer, at thirty-two. The sequence unfolded indoors under unclear conditions. The means involved a gun, officials report. Events unfolded at the couple's residence where both individuals died. Details remain under review as legal proceedings move forward. Uninjured children belonging to the pair were discovered at the location where the incident occurred.
“She just had to get away from him,” Rob Misleh, Spencer’s brother-in-law, said during an interview on ABC News’ “Good Morning America.” Misleh described McKee as emotionally abusive during his past marriage to Monique. “She was willing to do anything to get out of there. She was a very strong person,” he said.
Documents from court proceedings, acquired by WSYX - an ABC partner - indicate McKee and Monique Tepe entered marriage in 2015, then legally separated two years later. Shared offspring were absent from the relationship. By December 2020, Monique had begun a new marital union with Spencer, as noted in published memorial details.
On Monday, court saw the presence of McKee, though no plea was entered at that time. The intention to claim not guilty came through remarks by assistant public defender Carie Poirier. Life imprisonment remains a possibility upon conviction, as permitted by legal provisions in Ohio.
It was noted by Misleh that multiple relatives recognized the distress Monique faced while married to McKee. Awareness of his harmful influence, along with her suffering, existed among them, according to Misleh speaking to ABC News. Following her departure from him, effort marked her path toward recovery.
People who knew the Tepes often spoke of their kindness and openness. According to Misleh, they stood out for their welcoming nature. Over a thousand guests came to say goodbye at the service. Their presence showed how deeply the pair was connected to others around them.
Inside the home, officers found both children unharmed following the incident. Stability and daily support have become priorities for relatives as grief unfolds. The young ones remain at the center of quiet efforts shaped by loss.
“We just want justice,” Misleh said. “We want the person who took so much from us and from these kids to be held accountable.”
The investigation remains active under the Columbus Police Department. Details regarding intent have yet to be disclosed by authorities; however, filings suggest accusations are based on physical findings alongside accounts from those present. Evidence collected during initial response appears central to the legal direction taken so far.
Survivors’ supporters note this instance highlights dangers persisting beyond escape from harmful partnerships. According to data collected by a national anti-abuse organization, approximately thirty-three percent of females in the U.S. encounter violence tied to romantic partners at some point.
Should details emerge, authorities expect communication through official channels. At the same time, relatives express a belief that court procedures may lead to responsibility being assigned, possibly deterring future incidents.