In a grim development, the Franklin County Coroner’s office in Ohio has disclosed the findings of autopsies related to the tragic deaths of Spencer and Monique Tepe. Released on Tuesday, the reports reveal that both individuals suffered multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies, leading to deaths that occurred within mere “seconds to minutes” of the attack.
The autopsy, reported by FOX News Digital, sheds light on the horrific nature of the crime. Each victim was struck several times, resulting in severe and fatal injuries. Spencer Tepe was shot seven times, with bullets causing devastating damage to his brain and lungs. Additional gunshot wounds were found on his ear, neck, left hand, upper and lower chest, and right arm, suggesting he may have been attempting to defend his wife during the ordeal.
The suspect in this harrowing incident is Monique’s former husband, 39-year-old Michael McKee. He stands accused of entering the couple’s home on North 4th Street in Columbus and committing the double murder on December 30. Despite the violence, the couple’s two young children were found physically unharmed in the home, adding a layer of complexity and sorrow to the case.
This tragic case has captured significant media attention, not only for the brutality of the crime but also for the implications of familial connections and the safety of the innocent children involved. As investigations continue, the community remains in shock, grappling with the loss and seeking justice for the Tepe family. CrimeOnline had reported that McKee allegedly planned the crime in advance, further intensifying the gravity of the charges against him.
Spencer, shot seven times, had fatal wounds to his brain and lungs. He also had wounds on the left sides of his ear, left hand, upper and lower chest, and neck. He also had a wound on his right arm.
Some of the injuries indicated that he could have been trying to protect his wife during the shooting.
A toxicology indicated that Spencer Tepe had no drugs or alcohol in his system.
Monique Tepe, shot nine times, had injuries to her right cheek, forearm, hand, and torso, along with three shots to her right chest. She also had two wounds on the upper part of her left arm.
No drugs or alcohol were found in her system, aside from an antidepressant and antihistamine. She likely tried to move during the shooting.
An arrest affidavit, obtained by The Columbus Dispatch, indicated that McKee, who stands accused of aggravated murder and burglary, planned the murders in advance.
Security footage allegedly showed him going to the couple’s home on December 6, then leaving a few hours later. That same day, Monique and Spencer were at the Big Ten Championship football game in Indianapolis.
During halftime, Monique returned to their hotel room. Spencer Tepe told friends that she “was upset about something involving her ex-husband.”
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Investigators said video showed McKee walking through the couple’s yard while they were in Indianapolis. His vehicle, a silver SUV, allegedly had a stolen license plate on it, and a distinct window sticker.
The same vehicle, with a different stolen license plate, had been spotted in the couple’s neighborhood hours before the murders, and leaving shortly after.
Investigators later tied the vehicle to McKee after locating it at the hospital he worked at. The sticker had been removed, and authorities noted “fresh scrape marks on the window.”
Later, friends told authorities that McKee had been abusive to her during their brief 2015 marriage. By 2017, they were divorced.
McKee has pleaded not guilty to the murders. He remains behind bars without bail at the new, state-of-the-art James A. Karnes Corrections Center in Franklin County.
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[Feature Photo: Tepe couple/Handout]
