🚨 COURT FILES IN MICHAEL MCKEE AND MONIQUE TEPE’S DIVORCE ARE BEING RE-LEVELED:
Married for 7 months, separated for nearly 2 years, with a property division that close associates are now calling “emotionally punitive” — a line in the files is drawing renewed attention…

🚨 COURT FILES IN MICHAEL MCKEE AND MONIQUE TEPE’S DIVORCE ARE BEING RE-REVEALED: The “Emotionally Punitive” Details Resurfacing Amid Murder Charges

As the investigation into the December 30, 2025, double homicide of Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37, intensifies, renewed scrutiny has fallen on the 2017 divorce files between Monique and accused killer Michael David McKee, 39. The brief marriage—lasting just seven months of cohabitation before separation—ended in May 2017 on grounds of “incompatibility,” with no children involved and no spousal support awarded. Close associates and family members are now calling aspects of the property division “emotionally punitive,” pointing to a specific line in the separation agreement that has drawn fresh attention in light of the tragedy.

Here are stark images of Michael McKee from his mugshot and recent court appearances in Illinois, as the vascular surgeon faces extradition to Ohio on aggravated murder charges:

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The brief, turbulent marriage and quick divorce

McKee and Monique (then Sabaturski) married on August 22, 2015, but separated by March 2016. Monique filed for divorce in May 2017, citing incompatibility, and the case was finalized swiftly before a private retired judge for “efficient resolution.” The couple lived separately—McKee in Virginia for his surgical residency, Monique in Ohio—with full financial disclosure required.

The separation agreement, part of the 55-page court file, divided assets cleanly: McKee retained the marital home in Roanoke, Virginia (valued around $230,000 at the time), while each kept their vehicles and personal debts. Monique claimed $13,000 in separate property, including a 2012 Jeep and her engagement/wedding rings (which she asserted she paid for herself). No joint debts carried forward, and neither party was ordered to pay spousal support.

Here are touching family photos of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe, highlighting the loving life she built after the divorce—contrasting sharply with the alleged torment of her first marriage:

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The line drawing renewed attention: The “punitive” reimbursement clause

A key detail resurfacing is the requirement that Monique reimburse McKee $1,281.59 for “miscellaneous debt,” with a steep 23% interest penalty if unpaid by July 1, 2018. Close associates describe this as “emotionally punitive”—a small but symbolic financial tether that felt like lingering control, especially given the short marriage and Monique’s claims of paying for her own rings and vehicle.

Friends and family have alleged McKee was “emotionally abusive” and controlling during the marriage, with Monique reportedly terrified and willing to “do anything to get out.” She confided in loved ones about threats to her life and constant harassment post-divorce. The mutual restraining order (standard in Ohio divorces) prevented asset interference but did not address alleged ongoing harassment.

The files show no formal domestic violence allegations or criminal protection orders—likely because emotional abuse often leaves little paper trail—but family members insist the “incompatibility” label masked deeper trauma that affected Monique for years.

The 2025 clerical error that revived old wounds

Adding fuel to speculation, the long-closed case mysteriously reappeared on the docket in June 2025, showing a new hearing and September trial date. Court officials confirmed it was a clerical error involving a mismatched docket number (possibly a typo swapping digits from the 2017 file), and the date was quickly canceled. Still, the brief revival—months before the murders—has raised questions about whether it triggered McKee’s alleged obsession.

Here are somber images from the Weinland Park neighborhood crime scene and memorials in Columbus, where the couple was found shot in their locked bedroom with no forced entry:

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The bigger picture amid tragedy

McKee, arrested January 10, 2026, after surveillance and ballistics linked him to the scene (including a silenced firearm recovered from his property), faces life without parole if convicted. Family members, including Spencer’s brother-in-law Rob Misleh, have described McKee’s alleged resentment as nurtured over nearly a decade—perhaps fueled by Monique’s happy remarriage and family life.

The divorce files, once routine, now underscore a pattern of control that allegedly persisted long after the ink dried. Monique’s wedding vows to Spencer referenced overcoming “wrong relationships” and “waterfalls of tears”—words that resonate tragically today.

As the case moves forward, these re-revealed details remind us how past wounds can linger, sometimes with devastating consequences. The focus remains on justice for Monique and Spencer, and support for their two young children left behind.