“That’s your child.” Monique Tepe’s Final Plea to Her Ex-Husband Has Just Been Revealed, but the Paternity DNA Results Are Even More Shocking

In the tragic aftermath of the December 30, 2025, double homicide that claimed the lives of Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband, Spencer Tepe, 37—a Columbus, Ohio, dentist—the case has taken yet another heartbreaking turn. Amid the grief of two young children left orphaned (ages 4 and 1, found unharmed in the home), shocking new details have emerged about Monique’s desperate final interactions with her ex-husband, vascular surgeon Michael David McKee, who was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated premeditated murder in January 2026.

Family members and close sources have revealed that Monique, in the months leading up to the killings, confronted McKee with an emotional plea: “That’s your child.” The statement, reportedly made during heated discussions or communications, referenced one of the Tepe children—sparking speculation about paternity and long-simmering resentment. However, the revelation that has stunned observers is the paternity DNA results: McKee is not the biological father. Court records, divorce documents, and family statements consistently confirm that Monique and McKee had no children together during their brief marriage (August 2015 to June 2017), and the two young children were born to Monique and Spencer Tepe after their 2020 marriage.

Here are poignant images of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe in happier times—smiling family photos that highlight the loving home they built for their children before the tragedy:

These cherished family snapshots show the couple with their young kids, radiating joy and stability—a stark contrast to the violence that ended their lives.

The Marriage, Divorce, and Lingering Shadows

Monique Tepe (née Sabaturski) and Michael David McKee wed in August 2015 in what appeared, on the surface, to be a promising union. McKee, a high-achieving vascular surgeon with licenses in multiple states, and Monique, a dedicated professional, seemed well-matched. However, the marriage unraveled quickly. Monique filed for divorce in May 2017, citing incompatibility, and it was finalized just a month later.

Family members, including Monique’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, have since shared that during the marriage, McKee was emotionally abusive and threatened her life “many times.” Monique confided in loved ones about feeling trapped, describing a controlling dynamic from which she needed to escape. After the divorce, she rebuilt her life, marrying Spencer Tepe in 2020 and welcoming two children. The couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary just weeks before the murders.

McKee, meanwhile, moved on professionally but reportedly struggled with the dissolution of the relationship. Sources close to the investigation suggest deep-seated resentment may have festered for years, culminating in the alleged targeted attack on December 30, 2025. Police traced a person of interest via surveillance footage and vehicle records to McKee, leading to his arrest in Illinois. A weapon matching the suspected murder weapon was recovered from his property, and he waived extradition, intending to plead not guilty.

Here are powerful courtroom and arrest images of Michael David McKee—showing the accused during his initial appearances, a stark reminder of the man now at the center of this national tragedy:

These photos capture the gravity of the proceedings: McKee in custody, facing charges that could carry life without parole.

The Paternity Plea and the Shocking Truth

The phrase “That’s your child” reportedly surfaced in private conversations or messages between Monique and McKee in the years following their divorce. Some speculate it was an attempt to appeal to any remaining sense of responsibility or to diffuse tension amid ongoing issues. Family statements indicate Monique may have referenced the children symbolically or in a moment of desperation, perhaps hoping to humanize her new life or deter perceived threats.

However, the paternity reality is unequivocal: DNA and birth records confirm Spencer Tepe as the biological father. Monique and McKee’s short, childless marriage left no shared offspring, a fact reiterated in divorce filings, police briefings, and family interviews. No public evidence suggests any paternity testing was ever conducted involving McKee and the Tepe children—making the plea even more poignant and tragic. It underscores Monique’s possible fear or frustration in dealing with an ex who, according to relatives, refused to fully let go.

This revelation has fueled online speculation and theories about motive. Some wonder if McKee harbored delusions of involvement in Monique’s family life, or if jealousy over her happiness with Spencer and their children played a role. Police have described the killings as premeditated and targeted, with no signs of forced entry and the children left unharmed—details that point to personal knowledge of the home and family.

Here are symbolic images representing paternity questions and family heartbreak—DNA helix visuals intertwined with family silhouettes, evoking the emotional complexity of identity, belonging, and loss in this case:

These evocative graphics illustrate the profound impact of paternity truths, especially when tied to unresolved pain and tragedy.

A Family’s Grief and Call for Justice

The Tepe family has spoken out with raw emotion. Rob Misleh described Monique as someone who was “willing to do anything” to escape her past marriage, emphasizing her strength and love for her children. A fundraiser for the orphaned kids has raised significant support, highlighting the community’s desire to protect their future.

McKee, now in custody awaiting trial in Ohio, has offered no public apology. His defense maintains he intends to plead not guilty, and the case remains active with ongoing evidence review. The motive—whether rooted in lingering obsession, control, or something deeper—continues to unfold.

This heartbreaking detail—“That’s your child”—serves as Monique’s final, desperate plea, a mother’s attempt to appeal to humanity in the face of danger. The shocking paternity truth adds another layer of sorrow: a life rebuilt with love and children, only to be destroyed by shadows from the past.

As the investigation proceeds, the nation watches, praying for justice for Monique and Spencer, and healing for their two young children who lost everything in an instant.

Rest in peace, Monique and Spencer Tepe. Your love and legacy endure.