“SHE BEGGED FOR FORGIVENESS”: Monique Tepe’s Final Plea and the Haunting Moments Before Her Death in the Tepe Double Homicide

The double murder of Spencer Tepe, 37, a beloved dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, in their Columbus, Ohio home on the early morning of December 30, 2025, has taken on an even more devastating dimension with revelations from the initial interrogation of suspect Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband.

According to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation (cited in reports from the Columbus Dispatch and local NBC affiliates), during McKee’s first questioning after his arrest on January 10, 2026, investigators confronted him with forensic and crime scene evidence suggesting Monique was conscious and aware of the intruder in the moments before she was fatally shot.

In those final, terrifying seconds, Monique reportedly begged for forgiveness — specifically pleading, “Please… please don’t hurt the children.” Her desperate words were directed toward the gunman, whom authorities now believe was McKee, as she attempted to shield or protect her two young children (ages 1 and 4), who were asleep in nearby rooms and ultimately left unharmed.

Here are somber images from the investigation and public memorials that reflect the profound grief surrounding the loss of Spencer and Monique:

This photograph shows the Tepe family home in Columbus’s Weinland Park neighborhood, cordoned off with yellow police tape after the discovery of the bodies on December 30, 2025.

Another image captures the exterior of the residence, now adorned with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes left by neighbors and friends.

Police sources indicate that Monique’s plea — captured through witness statements (likely from the children’s limited but traumatic recollections) and the overall crime scene reconstruction — shifted the investigative lens dramatically. What had initially been viewed as a targeted execution-style attack suddenly revealed a layer of desperate maternal protection in the face of imminent death.

Investigators say this moment has reframed the entire case: rather than a cold, impersonal killing, the final seconds appear to have involved a personal confrontation in which Monique recognized the intruder and immediately prioritized the safety of her children over her own life.

Here are additional visuals illustrating the emotional toll and community response:

This photograph depicts a candlelight vigil in Columbus, with mourners holding portraits of Spencer and Monique, surrounded by flowers and messages of love and support.

Another powerful image from a memorial gathering, where attendees released white balloons in honor of the couple’s memory and the future that was stolen from them.

Even more chilling is the quiet action Monique reportedly performed in the seconds after her plea. According to preliminary forensic analysis and crime scene reconstruction details leaked to local media, Monique — despite being gravely wounded — managed to reach toward or place her hand on Spencer’s body as she collapsed beside him. This small gesture of reaching for her husband in her final moments is now under close scrutiny by investigators.

The action is being examined for several reasons:

It may indicate the sequence of shots (whether Spencer was shot first, prompting Monique’s plea, or vice versa).
It could provide insight into whether Monique attempted to shield Spencer or signal for help.
The position of her hand and body relative to Spencer’s has raised questions about the exact dynamics of the final confrontation.

Here are more images reflecting the national attention and calls for justice in the case:

This visual shows a protest sign at a vigil reading “Justice for Monique & Spencer,” held high amid a sea of candles and mourners.

A tribute photo of Spencer Tepe in his dental practice, smiling with patients, underscoring the loss of a devoted professional and father.

The revelation of Monique’s plea and her final gesture has profoundly impacted the investigative narrative. What might have been seen as a calculated, emotionless crime now carries the weight of a mother’s last act of love and protection — even as she faced her own death.

Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband from a brief and reportedly tumultuous marriage (2015–2017), was arrested at a Chick-fil-A in Rockford, Illinois, on January 10, 2026. He faces two counts of premeditated aggravated murder, charges that could result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty in Ohio. McKee waived extradition and has indicated through his public defender that he intends to plead not guilty.

Here are powerful images from the arrest and investigation:

This frame from surveillance footage shows the arrest scene at the Chick-fil-A in Rockford, where McKee was taken into custody on January 10, 2026.

Another image depicts investigators at the Tepe home, highlighting the ongoing forensic work that continues to uncover new details about the final moments.

Family members have spoken publicly about Monique’s lingering fear of McKee during their marriage, with her brother-in-law describing her as “terrified” and willing to do anything to escape the relationship. Monique reportedly told loved ones that if anything ever happened to her, investigators should look at her ex-husband.

Authorities have cited multiple pieces of evidence linking McKee to the scene, including neighborhood surveillance, vehicle tracking data, and a firearm recovered from his property preliminarily matched to the crime via ballistic testing.

Here are final visuals from community vigils and tributes:

This photograph shows a large memorial wall near the Tepe home, covered in photos, messages, and candles honoring the couple and their children.

Another emotional scene from a gathering, where friends and family shared memories of Monique’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love for her family.

Monique’s last plea — “Please… please don’t hurt the children” — and her quiet reach for Spencer in her dying moments stand as the most heartbreaking testament to a mother and wife who, even in the face of death, thought first of those she loved most.

Spencer and Monique Tepe are remembered as devoted parents and loving partners. Their children are now surrounded by family, but the void left behind is immeasurable.

May justice bring some measure of peace to those who loved them.