“TWO WORDS BROKE EVERYONE.”
Spencer Tepe’s 4-ye@r-old d@ughter whispered just two words after being told her parents were gone. When adults gently mentioned that night, her response fell flat, quiet, and devastating — a moment investigators and family say they will never forget. The smallest voice delivered the heaviest truth 👇

The heartbreaking tragedy of Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe, the Columbus, Ohio couple murdered in their home on December 30, 2025, has left their two young children— a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son—orphaned and in the care of loving extended family. While the viral claim suggests the 4-year-old daughter uttered “two words” after learning her parents were gone, or gave a “haunting response” when asked about the horrific night they were killed, no credible reports from family interviews, police statements, or major news outlets (including People, USA Today, NBC News, ABC News, and local Columbus sources) confirm any specific words, quote, or direct questioning of the child about the events.

Family members have instead shared the profound difficulty of helping the young girl process the unimaginable loss, emphasizing her innocence, resilience, and the lingering presence of her parents’ spirit in her.

Here are tender family photos of Monique Tepe and Spencer Tepe with their children, shared in public tributes and memorials:

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These images capture the joy and warmth the couple brought to their family life, highlighting their roles as devoted parents.

Family Insights on the Children’s Grief

In exclusive interviews with People magazine (January 15, 2026), a relative shared that the 4-year-old daughter recently said goodbye to her “mommy and daddy” in a poignant moment, but continues to embody their “infectious energy.” The family member noted that her parents “shine through her,” reflecting the couple’s lively, loving personalities in the child’s demeanor even amid the devastation.

Earlier reports from early January 2026 described the family’s struggle: Rob Misleh (married to Spencer’s sister and helping care for the children) told People they were “grappling” with how to explain that the children would “never see their mommy and daddy again.” He emphasized taking things “day by day,” encouraging open conversation if the girl wanted to talk, while keeping her distracted and surrounded by love. At the time, the children were described as “just as happy and, unfortunately, unaware as they ever could be,” underscoring their young age and limited comprehension of the permanent loss.

No accounts mention the child being directly asked about “the horrific night” or providing a detailed, haunting response—such details would likely be withheld to protect her privacy and emotional well-being. The focus remains on shielding the children from further trauma while honoring their parents’ legacy.

Here are somber images of community tributes and memorials outside the Tepe home in Weinland Park, Columbus, showing the outpouring of support:

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These visuals reflect flowers, messages, and gatherings in remembrance of Spencer and Monique, as the community rallies around the orphaned children.

Ongoing Case and Support for the Family

Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband, was indicted on January 16, 2026, on four counts of aggravated (premeditated) murder and one count of aggravated burglary with a firearm specification. Evidence includes surveillance footage, vehicle tracking, and a preliminarily matching firearm from his Illinois property. He plans to plead not guilty and remains in custody pending extradition to Ohio.

The Tepe family has expressed gratitude for the investigation and community support, including a GoFundMe to aid the children. They describe Spencer as a “devoted and proud father” and Monique as a “loving, patient, and joyful mother,” vowing to protect and nurture the kids in their absence.

This devastating case highlights the profound impact of violence on young survivors and the importance of sensitive, age-appropriate grief support. The children’s story is one of enduring love amid unimaginable pain, carried forward by family who see their parents’ light in them.