“THE KINDEST MAN I KNEW” — Until the Night Everything Was Stolen
He was the kindest man I knew.
“The Kindest Man I Knew”: The Life and Legacy of Spencer and Monique Tepe
Chapter 1: The Sanctuary on North Fourth Street
Spencer Tepe’s home was always open. On any given weekend, the house in Columbus’s Weinland Park was alive with laughter—children running through the kitchen, the aroma of Monique’s baking drifting into the living room, neighbors dropping by unannounced. It was a place of warmth, a refuge built on kindness and trust.
To those who knew Spencer, he was more than a dentist. He was a friend, a mentor, and, as one colleague put it, “the kindest man I knew.” His devotion to his family was matched only by his commitment to his patients. At Athens Dental Depot, his absence was felt immediately when he failed to arrive for work on December 30, 2025. Concerned colleagues called Monique, but received no answer. Within hours, police officers stood at the Tepe’s front door, responding to a welfare check that would reveal a tragedy no one could have imagined.
Inside, Spencer and Monique were found fatally shot—Spencer with multiple wounds, Monique with one to the chest. Their two children, Emilia and Beckham, and the family dog remained physically unharmed, a small mercy amid unspeakable loss. There were no signs of forced entry, no evidence of theft or a struggle. The scene was heartbreakingly quiet, pointing away from random violence and toward something more personal, more calculated.
Chapter 2: A Love Story Born of Healing
Spencer and Monique’s love story began in the aftermath of pain. Monique’s previous marriage to Michael David McKee, a vascular surgeon from Illinois, had ended in 2017 after two years marked by emotional abuse and fear. Family members remembered Monique as “willing to do anything” to escape, confiding that McKee had threatened her life “many times.” The patterns of control and intimidation she described stood in stark contrast to the happiness she later found with Spencer.
When Monique met Spencer, her world changed. He was gentle, patient, and steadfast—a man whose kindness was legendary among friends and coworkers. “He truly saved Monique Tepe’s soul when they came together,” one colleague recalled. Their relationship became a beacon of healing, love, and stability. The couple married in 2021 and quickly became known as “the life of the party,” generous hosts who filled their home with family and friends.
Monique flourished in the safety and joy of her new life. She was a loving, patient mother, an excellent baker, and someone who brought people together. Spencer’s devotion to her and their children was unwavering. He loved golf, she loved running, and together they created a home filled with laughter and light.
Chapter 3: Shadows from the Past
Yet, even as Monique rebuilt her life, shadows lingered. Family members, including her brother-in-law Rob Misleh, recalled how Monique never fully escaped the anxiety her first marriage had instilled. She took precautions—changing passwords, installing security cameras, and teaching her children how to call for help.
Spencer’s family rallied around her, offering protection and reassurance. Their home became a fortress, not just against physical threats, but against the emotional wounds that sometimes resurfaced. Friends noticed Monique’s growing confidence, her willingness to share her story, and her determination to provide her children with a life free from fear.
Chapter 4: The Tragedy Unfolds
The events of December 30, 2025, shattered this sanctuary. The investigation quickly focused on domestic violence-related motives. Michael McKee, now living and working in Illinois, emerged as the primary suspect. Surveillance footage showed a person of interest in a dark alley near the Tepe home on the night of the murders. Vehicle tracking data placed McKee’s car in Columbus after a long drive from Illinois. Ballistic evidence, including 9mm casings, linked a firearm found in McKee’s Chicago condo to the crime scene.
On January 10, McKee was arrested at a Chick-fil-A in Rockford, Illinois. He waived extradition and was held pending transfer to Ohio. In court, his public defender indicated a not-guilty plea was planned.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced a major breakthrough days later. “We believe at this point we have the person responsible for the murders of Monique and Spencer Tepe, and that person is Michael McKee,” she said. The evidence was overwhelming, and the community’s fears were confirmed.
Chapter 5: The Ripple Effect
The news of Spencer and Monique’s deaths reverberated across Columbus. Friends gathered at the Tepe home, leaving flowers, cards, and candles on the porch. Vigils were organized at their church and children’s preschool, where teachers remembered Monique’s warmth and Spencer’s easy laughter. The couple’s joint obituary described them as “extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and a deep connection to others.”
Spencer’s colleagues at Athens Dental Depot and his former practice in Ashland, Ohio, shared memories of his mentorship and “happy presence.” Patients recalled his gentle touch and genuine concern, traits that had earned him trust and admiration in the community. One former coworker summed up the collective grief: “We’re going to miss him… But his memory is going to be in our hearts forever.”
Monique’s legacy was equally profound. She was known for her kindness, her thoughtful planning, and her ability to bring people together. Family gatherings at the Tepe home were legendary—filled with laughter, good food, and a sense of belonging. Her brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, spoke at a vigil: “You never saw them without a smile on their face… Their place in Columbus was just where everybody gathered.”
Chapter 6: The Children Left Behind
The tragedy’s most heartbreaking aspect was the survival of Emilia and Beckham, ages four and one. Protected from physical harm, they faced an uncertain future without the parents who had devoted themselves to their happiness. Family members stepped in immediately, determined to provide stability and shield the children from the media’s glare.
Counselors and social workers offered support, helping Emilia and Beckham process their loss in age-appropriate ways. The community rallied around them, organizing fundraisers and meal trains, and ensuring that the children’s daily routines remained as normal as possible. Friends created a memory book, filled with photos and stories of Spencer and Monique, so their children would always know the love that surrounded them.
Chapter 7: Seeking Justice
As Michael McKee awaited extradition and arraignment in Franklin County, Ohio, the investigation continued to build its case. Prosecutors focused on the domestic violence context, citing unresolved jealousy and control issues stemming from the divorce. Experts in the field explained to reporters that such cases often involve lingering resentment when an ex-partner sees their former spouse find new happiness.
For Monique’s family, McKee’s arrest brought relief but not surprise. They had long feared he might act on his threats, and the evidence—surveillance footage, vehicle tracking, and ballistic matches—left little doubt about his guilt. The irony of McKee’s professional life as a healer was not lost on anyone, though no prior criminal record was noted publicly.
Chapter 8: A Community Transformed
In the weeks following the tragedy, Columbus came together in grief and resolve. Local organizations launched new initiatives to combat domestic violence, inspired by Monique’s courage and resilience. Her story became a catalyst for change, encouraging others to speak out and seek help.
Neighbors and friends pledged to support the Tepe children for years to come, honoring Spencer and Monique’s legacy by fostering kindness and connection. The tragedy sparked conversations about the long-term dangers of domestic violence, even years after a separation, and the importance of vigilance and community support.
Chapter 9: Echoes of Kindness
As the investigation moved toward trial, the true legacy of Spencer and Monique emerged—not in headlines, but in the everyday lives they touched. Friends recalled Spencer’s habit of sending encouraging texts to colleagues before difficult procedures, or Monique’s tradition of baking birthday cakes for neighbors’ children she barely knew. Their warmth was infectious, their generosity effortless.
At memorial services, stories poured out: Spencer teaching a nervous child to ride a bike, Monique organizing charity runs for local shelters. Their home, once a hub of activity, now stood quiet—but the spirit they created lingered in every corner of their community.
Chapter 10: The Trial and Truth
When Michael McKee was finally extradited to Ohio, the trial began under intense public scrutiny. Prosecutors presented a compelling case: surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and testimony from Monique’s family and friends about her years of fear and McKee’s threats. The defense argued for mental instability and denied premeditation, but the facts were clear.
Monique’s own words, preserved in letters and conversations, became a powerful testament. She described her journey from fear to freedom, and the healing she found with Spencer. The jury listened as loved ones spoke of the couple’s devotion to each other and their children, and the irreparable loss they now faced.
The verdict came swiftly: guilty on all counts. The judge’s sentence ensured McKee would never again harm another family. For the Tepe children and their extended family, justice brought some closure—but not the healing that only time and love can provide.
Chapter 11: A Legacy of Light
In the months that followed, the community’s grief transformed into action. Local organizations expanded their outreach to survivors of domestic violence, offering counseling, legal support, and safe housing. Monique’s story was shared at seminars and workshops, urging others to recognize the signs of coercive control and to seek help before it’s too late.
Spencer’s colleagues established a scholarship fund in his name, supporting dental students who exemplified compassion and service. Neighbors organized annual charity events, honoring Monique’s love for running and baking, with proceeds supporting children affected by violence.
Emilia and Beckham, surrounded by relatives and friends, grew up with stories of their parents’ kindness and strength. Memory books, videos, and letters ensured that the warmth of their family would never fade, even as they learned to navigate a world without Spencer and Monique.
Chapter 12: The Quiet Symbol
Perhaps the most poignant symbol of Monique’s journey was her phone—once hidden away in fear, later left openly on her bedside table. It was a small act, but for Monique, it represented freedom. With Spencer, she found a life where trust replaced anxiety, and love overcame the shadows of the past.
Their story became a quiet revolution: a reminder that kindness can heal, that love can save, and that even in the face of tragedy, hope endures.
Epilogue: A Community Remembers
Each year, on the anniversary of Spencer and Monique’s passing, friends and family gather at the park near their former home. Children play, neighbors share meals, and the Tepe legacy is celebrated—not with tears, but with laughter and generosity.
Their lives were a testament to the power of healing, the importance of community, and the enduring strength found in everyday acts of kindness. As one colleague said, Spencer “saved Monique’s soul”—and together, they inspired a city to believe in love’s triumph over pain.
