🚨 RIGHT NOW: A haunting question refuses to go away in the tragedy of dentist couple Spencer and Monique Tepe.
Family members insist the hooded figure seen nearby is not a suspect — yet investigators remain silent on a critical point: why hasn’t footage from the multiple surrounding security cameras been released?
Dozens of cameras.
One unexplained gap.
And a mystery that only deepens as answers stay locked away.
👇 The unanswered questions everyone is asking
The tragic double homicide of Spencer Tepe, a 37-year-old dentist, and his wife Monique Tepe, 39, shocked the community in Columbus, Ohio, when their bodies were discovered in their Weinland Park home on December 30, 2025. The couple, parents to two young children (ages approximately 1 and 4), were found shot to death in what authorities quickly classified as an apparent homicide by gunshot wounds. Their children and family dog were unharmed in the home, a heartbreaking detail that amplified the case’s emotional impact.
The discovery occurred after Spencer failed to arrive at work at Athens Dental Depot, prompting concern from his employer, who called 911 for a welfare check. Initial police response involved an officer mistakenly visiting the wrong address, delaying the grim discovery until friends entered the home and found the bodies around 10 a.m. Investigators determined the shootings likely happened between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. that morning.
In the early days of the investigation, Columbus police released limited details, emphasizing the need to protect the case. They ruled out murder-suicide and described the scene as having no immediate signs of forced entry. The case drew widespread attention due to the couple’s respected status—Spencer as a dedicated dentist and mentor, Monique as a devoted mother—and the presence of young children.
The Release of Surveillance Footage and the “Hooded Figure”
A key element fueling public speculation was the police release on January 5, 2026, of surveillance video showing a person of interest in an alley near the Tepe residence during the estimated time of the killings. The footage, captured from a Nest camera (and referenced in multiple reports), depicted an individual walking calmly with their head down, wearing a dark hooded jacket and light-colored pants, hands in pockets. The figure moved south through the snow-covered alley toward the home’s garage area.
This grainy, eerie clip—often described as haunting—became central to online discussions and media coverage. Despite the neighborhood’s abundance of security cameras (including Ring doorbells, Nest systems, and police crime cameras at nearby intersections), only this single piece of footage was publicly shared. Questions arose about why additional surrounding camera footage was not released, with some online commentators and observers wondering if other angles could provide clearer identification or context.
Here are relevant images from reports showing the released surveillance footage of the person of interest:
These stills from the video highlight the hooded figure in the alley, underscoring the limited visual evidence initially made public.
The family, through statements, downplayed the figure’s significance, with a relative (Spencer Tepe’s brother-in-law) suggesting it could be an innocuous person, such as “somebody walking home drunk from a bar.” They explicitly denied that the hooded individual was necessarily a suspect, urging focus on the couple’s legacy rather than speculation.
Police explained their cautious approach: releasing more footage risked compromising the investigation, potentially tipping off suspects or contaminating witness identification. Chief Elaine Bryant addressed the frustration in interviews, noting the department’s commitment to justice while withholding details to preserve evidence.
Breakthrough: Arrest of Michael David McKee
The mystery resolved rapidly on January 10, 2026, when Michael David McKee, 39, Monique Tepe’s ex-husband (divorced in 2017), was arrested in Rockford, Illinois, and charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe. Court records indicate a warrant was issued that day, and McKee was taken into custody without incident. He was held in Winnebago County Jail pending extradition to Ohio.
Reports suggest a “Chicago-area discovery” (possibly related to a vehicle) aided the breakthrough. The family reportedly suspected McKee from the start, though no public motive has been detailed. The divorce was granted on grounds of incompatibility, and no recent public records of ongoing disputes were highlighted prior to the arrest.
Here are images related to the suspect and the case developments:
This photo shows Michael David McKee, the individual charged in the double homicide.
The arrest shifted the narrative from unsolved mystery to a targeted case, likely tied to personal history. Police have not elaborated further on evidence linking McKee to the scene, including any connection to the hooded figure.
Community Impact and Ongoing Questions
Spencer was remembered as a devoted mentor through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, while Monique was described as a loving mother. The couple, married in 2021 and nearing their fifth anniversary, left behind grieving relatives caring for their children. Funeral arrangements were announced, with obituaries highlighting their positive impact.
While the hooded figure footage sparked questions about withheld camera material, standard investigative protocol prioritizes protecting the case—especially with a suspect now in custody. The family’s denial aligns with this caution, emphasizing that not every person in proximity is culpable.
The case underscores the challenges of high-profile investigations in the social media era, where partial information fuels speculation. With an arrest made, authorities can now build a fuller picture while ensuring justice for Spencer and Monique Tepe.
