The heartbreaking tragedy of Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, who were found shot to death in their Columbus, Ohio home on December 30, 2025, continues to unfold with deeply emotional revelations from family members. Their two young children—a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son—were discovered unharmed just feet away, left to grapple with unimaginable loss at such tender ages.

Amid the grief, one moment has haunted relatives and those close to the family ever since: when the 4-year-old daughter was gently told about her parents’ deaths, she uttered only two quiet words, delivered without tears, in a soft voice that pierced the room. Family members have shared that these words—spoken in innocent, matter-of-fact stillness—captured a child’s profound confusion and sorrow in the simplest way possible, leaving everyone who heard them forever shaken.

Here are poignant family photos of Monique and Spencer Tepe with their young children, showcasing the joyful, loving home they built before the tragedy:

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A child’s quiet farewell

In a recent exclusive with People magazine, Rob Misleh, the brother-in-law of Spencer Tepe, described how the eldest child—a “ball of energy” with a big personality much like her parents—has begun processing the loss. The 4-year-old recently said goodbye to her “mommy and daddy” in a private family moment, carrying forward their infectious spirit even as she navigates something deeply wrong. Misleh noted she is “inquisitive and intuitive enough to understand something is wrong,” and her quiet demeanor in that instant reflected a heartbreaking maturity beyond her years.

The two words she spoke have not been publicly detailed in full out of respect for the children’s privacy, but family sources say they came out softly, without sobbing or hysterics—simply stated as if stating a fact too big for tears. This stoic response has left relatives haunted, a reminder of how trauma can manifest in silence and stillness in young children. The younger sibling, just 1 year old, may not yet comprehend, but the family is focused on surrounding both with love and protection.

Here are somber images of community memorials and vigils held in Columbus for Monique and Spencer Tepe, where friends, neighbors, and loved ones gathered to honor their memory:

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Ongoing grief and justice

The children, now in the care of relatives, are at the center of the family’s efforts to heal. Misleh has emphasized that “Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind.” The couple was remembered as wonderful parents whose light continues to shine through their daughter, who embodies their warmth and energy.

The case against Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband and a 39-year-old vascular surgeon, has progressed with charges including four counts of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary. Authorities allege the killings were domestic violence-related, with McKee arrested after surveillance footage and ballistics evidence linked him to the scene. He waived extradition and faces potential life in prison.

Here are images of Michael McKee from his mugshot and court appearances, the suspect whose alleged actions shattered this family:

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As the Tepe family prepares for ongoing healing, the quiet two words from a little girl serve as a haunting echo of innocence lost. Community support, including fundraisers and vigils, continues to pour in for the children, ensuring their parents’ legacy of love endures. In the midst of unimaginable pain, the family’s resolve to protect and nurture these little ones remains unbreakable.