The viral claim that Michael David McKee‘s ex-girlfriend has spoken out for the first time, stating: “He told me about his divorce from Monique Tepe within the first three weeks of us dating. By the second month, I was so scared I couldn’t sleep,” and revealing a “stubborn habit” that exposed his true character, appears to originate from unverified social media clips (primarily TikTok compilations shared on YouTube) rather than any confirmed interview in mainstream news. As of January 19, 2026, no credible outlets (including ABC News, People, USA Today, NBC News, or local Columbus sources like WSYX or the Dispatch) have published or corroborated a direct statement from an ex-girlfriend using these exact phrases or detailing such a habit. Searches for matching quotes yield no results in official reporting.

The narrative likely draws from aggregated true crime videos (e.g., titles like “Michael McKee’s EX GF After Monique Tepe speaks out” on YouTube, referencing anonymous TikTok clips from users like srummy5), which often blend speculation with public facts. No named ex-girlfriend has been identified or quoted in this manner by police, family, or journalists. Instead, verified insights into McKee’s character come from Monique Tepe’s family and friends, who have described him as allegedly emotionally abusive and controlling during their brief marriage (August 2015–2017).

Here are recent booking photos and court appearance images of Michael David McKee from official sources and news coverage:

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These visuals show McKee during his initial court proceedings in Rockford, Illinois, following his arrest on January 10, 2026.

Verified Accounts from Monique’s Circle

Monique Tepe’s family and friends have spoken publicly about her experiences:

Rob Misleh (Spencer’s brother-in-law) told ABC News’ Good Morning America and other outlets that Monique was “terrified” of McKee, describing him as “emotionally abusive” and saying she “had to get away from him” due to threats and mental health impacts that lingered long after the divorce.
A friend who knew both but hadn’t spoken to McKee in years told People that McKee was “controlling,” believed Monique “could not live without him,” and that her happiness in her new marriage “destroyed his fragile little ego.”

These descriptions align with themes of fear and toxicity but come from Monique’s perspective during the marriage, not from a later ex-girlfriend of McKee.

Here are loving photos of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe as a couple, shared in public tributes and family memorials:

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These images highlight the joy and stability Monique found in her marriage to Spencer, whom she wed in 2020 after leaving McKee.

Case Status and Evidence

Michael David McKee, 39, a vascular surgeon, was indicted on January 16, 2026, on four counts of aggravated (premeditated) murder and one count of aggravated burglary with a firearm specification. One of multiple firearms recovered from his Illinois property preliminarily matched ballistics from the scene (possibly involving a silencer). He waived extradition and plans to plead not guilty upon transfer to Ohio, facing life without parole if convicted.

The couple was found shot in their Weinland Park home on December 30, 2025. Their children (ages 1 and 4) were unharmed but present.

Here are images from the crime scene and community tributes in Columbus’s Weinland Park neighborhood:

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These visuals capture memorials with flowers and messages, reflecting the community’s grief and support.

Authorities urge reliance on verified information to avoid compromising the case. Speculation about ex-girlfriends or specific habits remains confined to unconfirmed online content.